Cited by 84Treatment of Major DepressionEpigenetics and DNA MethylationNeurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

The Relationship between DNA Methylation and Antidepressant Medications: A Systematic Review

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Webb, Lauren M., Phillips, Kathryn E., Ho, Man Choi, Veldic, Marin, Blacker, Caren J.·2020·International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is associated with high rates of suicide and medical comorbidities. Current antidepressant medications are suboptimal, as most MDD patients fail to achieve complete remission from symptoms. At present, clinicians are unable to predict which antidepressant is most effective for a particular patient, exposing patients to multiple medication trials and side effects. Since MDD’s etiology includes interactions between genes and environment, the epigenome is of interest for predictive utility and treatment monitoring. Epigenetic mechanisms of antidepressant medications are incompletely understood. Differences in epigenetic profiles may impact treatment response. A systematic literature search yielded 24 studies reporting the interaction between antidepressants and eight genes (BDNF, MAOA, SLC6A2, SLC6A4, HTR1A, HTR1B, IL6, IL11) and whole genome methylation. Methylation of certain sites within BDNF, SLC6A4, HTR1A, HTR1B, IL11, and the whole genome was predictive of antidepressant response. Comparing DNA methylation in patients during depressive episodes, during treatment, in remission, and after antidepressant cessation would help clarify the influence of antidepressant medications on DNA methylation. Individuals’ unique methylation profiles may be used clinically for personalization of antidepressant choice in the future.

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Authors
Webb, L. M., Phillips, K. E., Ho, M. C., Veldic, M., & Blacker, C. J.
Affiliations
  • Mayo Clinic (US)
  • Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
Venue
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2020-01-28
Volume
21
Issue
3
Pages
826
ISSN
1422-0067 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3003378131
Cited by
84
References
99
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 1
FWCI
1.83
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
Keywords
DNA methylation, antidepressant response, major depressive disorder, epigenetics, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, monoamine oxidase A, serotonin transporter, 5-HT1A receptor, 5-HT1B receptor, interleukin-6, interleukin-11, antidepressant treatment response prediction, gene-environment interaction
MeSH terms
Antidepressive Agents, Major Depressive Disorder, Humans, Treatment Outcome, DNA Methylation, Epigenesis, Genetic

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