Defining a cluster of molecular biomarkers for improved diagnostics and therapy of mood disorders

We propose to define a cluster of molecular blood biomarkers (MB) for improved diagnostics and therapeutic follow up of human mood disorders (MD) such as, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. We also propose to follow the same MB in healthy controls that are according to psychometric tests with or without subclinical stress-related symptoms, which may thereafter be used in preventive purposes. Based on our earlier and pilot data obtained in animal model: Wistar rats exposed to chronic psychosocil isolation stress and exhibiting anxiety/depressive like behaviour, we hypothesize that members of such MB cluster will be found among key parameters of stress and antidepresant response pathways shared by CNS and blood components. Among them are elements of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signalling pathway and GR posttranslational modifications, alterations in trophic factors/plasticity proteins and factors regulating redox balance. We will also follow these parameters in blood of MD and healthy subjects, and through complementation with psychopathological/psychometric and endocrine tests, we plan to identify members of proposed MB cluster with diagnostic/therapeutic and preventive value for MD in human.