Proteomics, metabolomics, and protein interactomics in the characterization of the molecular features of major depressive disorder

Abstract

Omics technologies emerged as complementary strategies to genomics in the attempt to understand human illnesses. In general, proteomics technologies emerged earlier than those of metabolomics for major depressive disorder (MDD) research, but both are driven by the identification of proteins and/or metabolites that can delineate a comprehensive characterization of MDD's molecular mechanisms, as well as lead to the identification of biomarker candidates of all types-prognosis, diagnosis, treatment, and patient stratification. Also, one can explore protein and metabolite interactomes in order to pinpoint additional molecules associated with the disease that had not been picked up initially. Here, results and methodological aspects of MDD research using proteomics, metabolomics, and protein interactomics are reviewed, focusing on human samples.

Potential biomarkers of major depression diagnosis and chronicity

“…Like RDoC, most part of studies with plural molecular biomarkers panels for MDD are grounded on genetic [ 31 , 32 ] or metabolomics approaches [ 33 , 34 ]. There are few studies analyzing neuroendocrine-immune targets as part of a plural biomarker panel [ 35 – 37 ].…”

Discovery and Validation of Plasma Biomarkers for Major Depressive Disorder Classification Based on Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

“…Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious debilitating mental disease and leads to a high rate of suicide and economic burden. It has greatly affected the quality of life of 350 million diagnosed patients worldwide . Biological research findings have demonstrated that MDD is closely linked to the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, hippocampal atrophy, , and glial reduction in the subgenual prefrontal cortex; however, the diagnosis of MDD is still difficult due to the high error rate .…”

“…It has greatly affected the quality of life of 350 million diagnosed patients worldwide. 1 Biological research findings have demonstrated that MDD is closely linked to the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic−pituitary−adrenal axis, 2 hippocampal atrophy, 3,4 and glial reduction in the subgenual prefrontal cortex; 5 however, the diagnosis of MDD is still difficult due to the high error rate. 6 Several methods have been used in clinical diagnosis for depression, such as a structured or semistructured interview (SDI) and the dexamethasone suppression test (DST).…”

Gut Microbiota Metabolites in Major Depressive Disorder—Deep Insights into Their Pathophysiological Role and Potential Translational Applications

“…Collectively, gut microorganisms are key mediators of glutamate and GABA production, with important neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Similarly, phenylalanine, another product also synthesized by some microorganisms, is the precursor of the catecholamines epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are involved in the pathogenesis of MDD and therapy resistance [142].…”