Najaf Amin: Rare coding genetic variation and downstream omics hold the key to understanding the pathogenesis of depression

Dr. Najaf Amin stands at the forefront of depression genetics research, revolutionizing our understanding of major depression through groundbreaking multi-omics approaches that bridge molecular epidemiology and neuropsychiatry. In this exclusive Genomic Press Interview, the Oxford University Associate Professor shares insights from a career that has positioned her among the top scientists globally and top women in science worldwide. With over 350 peer-reviewed publications and an exceptional h-index of 125, Dr. Amin's pioneering work has fundamentally challenged conventional paradigms in the field of depression research. Her landmark discovery of the RCL1 gene mutation and its connection to primate-specific interlaminar astrocytes opened entirely new avenues for understanding the pathogenesis of depression. Leading the most extensive published studies on epigenomics, metabolomics, and gut microbiome in major depression, including groundbreaking research in Nature Communications (2022) and JAMA Psychiatry (2023), she has identified 124 metabolites associated with depression, with 49 being novel discoveries. Dr. Amin's integrative approach encompasses genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and single-cell analysis, providing unprecedented molecular insights into depression that extend beyond traditional genetic frameworks. Her journey from Pakistan to becoming a leading voice in molecular epidemiology at Oxford exemplifies resilience, scientific excellence, and the transformative power of perseverance in advancing our understanding of one of humanity's most complex psychiatric disorders.