Neurogenic progression may falter in MDD

Postmortem multiomic analyses showed more quiescent neural stem cells and fewer neuroblasts, alongside broader hippocampal molecular changes.

By
Andrea Surnit
August 26, 2026
4 min

MDSpire News

Overview

This study investigates disrupted adult hippocampal neurogenesis in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), revealing stalled progression from neural stem-like cells to neuroblasts.

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by various clinical manifestations, including mood alterations and cognitive impairments.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

Patients with MDD exhibited stalled progression in the adult hippocampal neurogenic lineage.
There was a higher proportion of quiescent neural stem cells and fewer neuroblasts in MDD patients compared to controls.
Stage-associated gene signatures were delayed in neural stem cells and reduced in neuroblasts among MDD patients.
Molecular alterations included increased expression of an interferon-related gene module in early neurogenic populations in MDD.
Proteomic profiling identified 297 differentially expressed proteins in MDD patients compared to controls.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting neurogenesis may be relevant in managing MDD. Understanding the molecular alterations associated with disrupted neurogenic progression could inform future research and treatment approaches.

Conclusion

The study highlights significant disruptions in neurogenic processes in MDD, providing a molecular framework for further exploration of therapeutic targets in this disorder.