Unlocking the brain: Pioneering psychiatric genomics at the University of Arizona

Unlocking the brain: Pioneering psychiatric genomics at the University of Arizona Psychiatric disorders challenge us deeply. At the University of Arizona, researchers dissect their molecular roots, focusing on genomics. They aim to decode miRNA’s role in conditions like depression, using advanced analysis to forge a path towards personalized mental health care. Find out more in this exclusive Q&A. We are currently working in parallel on two main projects. I will primarily describe the first project here. The first project focuses on understanding the role of miRNA in the neuropathology of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder (BPD). We utilise brain tissues from deceased MDD and BPD patients to achieve this goal. Specifically, by comparing miRNA expression differences in selected brain regions, such as the subgenual Anterior Cingulate Cortex (sACC) and Amygdala (AMY), we aim to identify miRNA expression differences driven by the disease processes in the brain. These differences may also arise from disease neuropathology, i.e., due to neuroadaptation to the disorder rather than being causative of the disease.