Hippocampal Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 (PARP1) in Depression and Suicide
2018 Distinguished Investigator Grant
Amount Awarded: $125,000
Focus Area: Neurobiological Studies
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.
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.