Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Depression: Emerging Therapies and Biomarkers

Dear Colleagues,

We invite genetic and epigenetic researchers; psychiatrists; neuropsychiatrists; neuroscientists; psychologists; clinicians; mental health professionals; social medicine specialists; medicine hygiene experts; occupational medicine specialists; microbiologists; molecular biologists; health policymakers; public health specialists; psychotherapists; counselors; and anyone involved in identifying, diagnosing, treating, or caregiving for individuals with depression to contribute to this important discussion. The growing recognition of the complex, multifactorial nature of depression has broadened our focus to include both genetic and environmental influences, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach from all disciplines to advance our understanding and improve care.

Recent studies have highlighted the significance of epigenetics in understanding how environmental factors, such as trauma, stress, nutrition, and social experiences, can affect gene expression, potentially influencing the onset and progression of depression. Notably, emerging research suggests that the impact of nutrition and lifestyle choices on gene expression may be more significant in later life than the genetic background itself. These findings underscore the fact that whether a person’s genetic predisposition to depression is expressed may be heavily influenced by environmental factors, such as diet and exposure to stressors, making the environment a powerful modulator of gene function throughout life. This intersection of genetics and environment is central to our exploration of how depression develops, and how personalized treatment strategies can be devised to enhance outcomes for those affected.

Depression is a complex, multifactorial disorder shaped by both genetic and environmental factors. Over the past decade, advances in the understanding of epigenetics have shed light on the mechanisms through which exposure to environmental factors, such as trauma, stress, diet, and social attributes, can influence gene expression, contributing to the onset and progression of depression. This Special Issue seeks to explore genetic and epigenetic influences on depression, with an emphasis on emerging therapies and novel biomarkers that can improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

We particularly welcome contributions that examine the interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental factors, as the concept of epigenetics encapsulates how external influences, such as life stressors or exposure to pollutants, can modify gene expression. A thorough understanding of how these epigenetic modifications interact with genetic factors will allow for the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we encourage contributors to provide detailed discussions of the genetic aspects that underpin these epigenetic changes.

In this context, several exciting topics are of particular interest for this Special Issue. For example, genetic variants associated with depression and their contribution to treatment strategies could provide valuable insights into how specific genetic profiles influence disease susceptibility. Additionally, we are eager to explore how epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone changes, play a critical role in depression, particularly in response to environmental stressors. Environmental factors themselves, such as trauma, socioeconomic stress, and even environmental pollutants, are essential to consider, as they significantly impact epigenetic regulation and could reveal new pathways for intervention.

We are also interested in investigating gene–environment interactions, which combine genetic predispositions with environmental triggers, contributing to an individual’s risk for depression. This comprehensive approach could enhance our understanding of depression's complexity. Moreover, the potential for epigenetic biomarkers to aid in diagnosing depression, predicting its progression, and evaluating therapeutic responses holds significant promise, particularly for developing more personalized medicine approaches.

Another exciting avenue involves epigenetic modifications as therapeutic targets, where small molecules, gene therapies, or other strategies could reverse or mitigate these modifications, offering new treatment paradigms. Sex differences in depression are also an area of interest, as genetic and epigenetic factors likely contribute to gender differences in depression prevalence and severity.

In addition, the role of inflammation and the immune system in the epigenetic regulation of depression represents a burgeoning field, given the increasing recognition of the link between inflammation and mental health. We also encourage research on transgenerational epigenetic effects, where changes induced by environmental stressors in one generation may influence the vulnerability of subsequent generations to depression.

Finally, we are eager to explore personalized medicinal approaches that integrate genetic, epigenetic, and environmental data to tailor treatments to individual patients. This integrated model could revolutionize how depression is treated, ensuring that therapies are optimized based on a patient’s unique biological and environmental profile.

We encourage all professionals and researchers interested in this important issue to submit their work. We are open to considering a wide range of study designs, as outlined in MDPI Article Types. If you are interested in learning more about the topic, we invite you to attend a webinar in which we will present additional details. Please contact us via the email addresses below if you wish to attend.

We are also happy to assist you in aligning your research topic with the focus of this Special Issue, thus strengthening the relevance of your work. Additionally, we can provide support by connecting you with grant opportunities and offering potential discounts. For any technical issues or questions about the webinars, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to seeing you at the webinar at the end of May 2025, after which we will host several follow-up webinars. The exact date for the May webinar will be announced soon, and you will receive updates if you register through the provided email contacts.

Dr. Jelena Milić
Guest Editor

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• depression
• epigenetics
• genetic predisposition
• environmental factors
• epigenetic biomarkers
• mental health therapies
• stress and depression
• DNA methylation
• histone modifications
• transgenerational effects