Transcriptomics and sequencing analysis of gene expression profiling for major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by constant sadness and a lack of interest in work and social interactions. Maintaining the transcriptome levels via the controlled regulation of mRNA processing and transport is essential to alleviating MDD. Various molecular phenotypes such as aberrant RNA splicing and stability are identified as critical determinants of MDD. AIM: This study aims to compare the mRNA expression profiles between major depressive disorder non-suicide (MDD), major depressive disorder suicide (MDD-S), and control groups using RNA-Seq. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A transcriptomics and sequencing analysis of gene expression profiling was conducted in 9 patients with MDD, 10 patients with MDD-S, and 10 control patients. RESULTS: A comparison of the sample groups revealed that the PRKACB gene was upregulated in patients with MDD. At the same time, GRM3, DLGAP1, and GRIA2 were downregulated in these patients—these genes are majorly involved in the glutamatergic pathway. Five genes (GRIA1, CAMK2D, PPP3CA, MAPK10, and PPP2R2A) of the dopaminergic pathway were downregulated in patients with the MDD-S condition when compared with the MDD and control groups. Cholinergic synapses were altered in patients with MDD when compared to the control group due to the presence of dysregulated genes (KCNQ5, PLCB4, ADCY9, CAMK2D, PIK3CA, and GNG2). CONCLUSION: The results provide a new understanding of the etiology of depression in humans and identify probable depression-associated biomarkers.