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Hippocampal Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 (PARP1) in Depression and Suicide

2018 Distinguished Investigator Grant

Amount Awarded: $125,000

Focus Area: Neurobiological Studies

Gregory A. Ordway, Ph.D.

Gregory Ordway, Ph.D.

East Tennessee State University

Inside the Research

Question: Do genes affecting inflammation and oxidation stress in the brain relate to suicide?

Strategy: Compare DNA oxidation (toxins) and specific genes and protein levels (PARP1) in the emotion brain circuits, specifically the hippocampus, of people with depression (MDD) who died by suicide or other causes, and psychiatrically healthy people who died by natural/accidental causes.

Impact: New treatments for people with depression and suicide risk.