Sequence polymorphisms of MC1R gene and their association with depression and antidepressant response.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is involved in various functions, such as pigmentation, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory actions, development of melanoma, susceptibility to ultraviolet-induced sun damage, modification of oculocutaneous albinism, development of freckles, and mediation of female-specific mechanisms of analgesia. MC1R's natural agonists include α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and corticotrophin (ACTH1-39), which are important components of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis and increase in response to stress. Given the multiple relevant roles of MC1R, we studied whether the MC1R gene would be associated with susceptibility to major depressive disorder or with response to antidepressant treatment.

Methods

The human MC1R gene is highly polymorphic; th

SUBMITTER: Wu GS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9531708 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature