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São Paulo Study Finds 73 Synapse Genes Altered in Depression Blood

6/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

University of São Paulo researchers reported altered synapse-related gene activity in blood cells of depression patients.
The study analyzed transcriptomic data from 1,864 depressed and 1,208 healthy participants in the United States, Germany and France.
Researchers found 1,383 altered genes, 73 synapse-related, and 18 that distinguished patients.
Seven of those genes were dysregulated in anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortices and linked to bipolar disorder, anxiety and COVID-19 complications.

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Story summary

University of São Paulo researchers reported altered synapse-related gene activity in blood cells of depression patients.
The study analyzed transcriptomic data from 1,864 depressed and 1,208 healthy participants in the United States, Germany and France.
Researchers found 1,383 altered genes, 73 synapse-related, and 18 that distinguished patients.
Seven of those genes were dysregulated in anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortices and linked to bipolar disorder, anxiety and COVID-19 complications.