Unveiling the Molecular Secrets of Reproductive Mood Disorders: a Multi-Omics Approach Project

Introduction

Reproductive mood disorders (RMDs), including premenstrual disorder and postpartum depression, have a significant impact on women and their families, contributing to the well-known gender gap in mental health. However, effectively diagnosing and treating RMDs remains an ongoing challenge.

Hormonal Influence

These conditions are closely tied to hormonal changes during menstruation and childbirth, indicating a shared vulnerability. While the precise mechanisms are not yet fully understood, emerging data, including my work, supports the hypothesis that genetic predisposition, chronic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction play pivotal roles in the development of RMDs.

Project Goals

The MoodMAP project aims to:

1. Discover novel molecular markers for RMDs.
2. Provide insights into the biological factors influencing varying vulnerabilities to mood disorders in women.
3. Enhance diagnostic, preventative, and treatment strategies for RMDs.

Methodology

The endeavor leverages three Nordic population-based cohorts: a) To DEPICT a comprehensive architecture of RMDs by integrating genomic, inflammatory proteomic, and metabolomic data. b) To TRIANGULATE evidence for identifying biologically functional and causal biomarkers using cell data manipulated with hormones and advanced epidemiologic methods. c) To PREDICT treatment outcomes, including treatment resistance and subsequent suicidal behavior, through multi-omics data and machine-learning methods.

Innovative Approach

MoodMAP adopts an innovative approach by studying both RMDs together, aiming to uncover the biological basis of female vulnerability to mood disorders through multi-omics data.

Potential Impact

By integrating advanced omics techniques, hormone-manipulated cell data, and cutting-edge epidemiologic and statistical methods, MoodMAP holds the potential to:

• Understand the psychiatric sensitivity associated with sex hormones.
• Drive transformative changes in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies for RMDs.
• Ultimately contribute to the reduction of the gender gap in mental health.