To investigate this, the scientists analyzed methylation patterns in more than 26,000 subjects with and without depression. Their aim was to determine whether a specific epigenetic pattern could be identified that typically occurs more frequently in patients with the disease. 

The research team found what they were looking for: a total of 15 specific methylation targets in the genome were identified that are significantly associated with a diagnosis of depression. Interestingly, these are gene methylations that are related to autoimmune diseases. 

The analysis of the data provides evidence that DNA methylation may contribute to the development of depression. However, this finding needs to be confirmed in further studies, according to a recent press release. The researchers point out that the development of depression is a multifactorial process. Genetic predisposition could contribute to an increased risk through interaction with environmental factors. 

Original publication: 
Shen, X., Barbu, M., Caramaschi, D. et al. (2025). A methylome-wide association study of major depression with out-of-sample case–control classification and trans-ancestry comparison. Nat. Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-025-00486-4

Source and further information:
https://www.laborpraxis.vogel.de/