Use of DNA methylation to predict the risk of depression and anxiety in young people
Lead Researcher:
Supported by the Social, Genetic & Environmental Determinants of Health (SGE) Theme
Adolescents are vulnerable to mental illness, with depression and anxiety being the most common. Mental illness can set back their development and can place pressure on the NHS. DNA methylation (DNAm) is a dynamic process that affects gene function. DNAm provides unique information about how one’s body might react to things like poverty, genetic risk, and environment. DNAm links to depression in adults, but this relationship is unclear in young people. This study aims to understand how DNAm, along with poverty, genes, and environment, relate to depression and anxiety in young people. The goal is to use DNAm to predict the risk of developing depression and anxiety in young people.
This project involves two large studies: The Study of Cognition, Adolescents, and Mobile Phones (SCAMP) and Generation Scotland (GS). SCAMP is based in London and includes ~11,000 adolescents who are being followed up over time; GS has ~18,000 adults. We will analyse existing DNA samples to generate DNAm data of 240 SCAMP participants, equal numbers with and without depression and anxiety. We will also estimate exposure to air pollution, noise, greenspace, rivers, and lakes for all SCAMP participants. We will analyse GS data to find out which genes are affected by DNAm in adults with depression and anxiety. Then we will analyse SCAMP data to confirm if DNAm of affected genes can also predict depression and anxiety in young people. We will also find out if DNAm of these genes relates to poverty, genetic risk for depression and anxiety, and environmental exposures.
With this project, we hope to inform risk prediction and intervention to prevent depression and anxiety in early life. We will work with young people and the local community to share study findings with the public, involving the collaboration between SCAMP and Listen to Act (a Northwest London charity organisation) Young People Advisory Groups. We will ensure that our findings are understandable, engaging, and relevant to young people. We will also work with them to discuss how this project can inform future research targeting mental health priorities.