Investigating the association between genetic and epigenetic variability in the 5-HTT and BDNF genes and depression in young adults. (360G-Wellcome-202401_Z_16_Z)

A high prevalence of psychopathology has been reported in students in higher education leading to significant impact on their academic success and ability to complete their studies. To assess biological and environmental factors contributing to mental health issues in students, first year students were asked to take part in the Ulster University Student Wellbeing Study. As part of this study, students provided a saliva sample to determine biological risk factors and were asked to complete an online survey on their physical and mental health. Depression was one of the most commonly reported mental health disorders but the biological basis of depression remains poorly understood. There are no clinically validated biomarkers for depression but genetic and epigenetic changes in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT), which plays an important role in regulation of serotonin and brain derived neurotrophic factor, which plays a vital role in neuronal survival and differentiation, have been associated with depression. The goal of this study is to determine whether polymorphism of the 5-HTTLPR, prevalence of the Val66Met polymorphism of the BDNF gene and DNA methylation in both 5-HTT and BDNF promoter regions are associated with depression in the student population.