Circadian genes in major depressive disorder

Abstract

Background: Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD). Sleep is highly regulated by circadian rhythms, controlled by circadian genes, that act through a series of feedback loops to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Objectives: To the best of our knowledge, a systematic review regarding the core circadian genes and their role in MDD has not been published recently. Also, a review of these genes and their role in sleep disturbances in depressed individuals appears to have never been done. We decided to integrate both concepts into one comprehensive review.

Method: The review was done using the appropriate search terms in the following search engines: OVID Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and Pubmed.

Results: Based on the data reviewed, none of the circadian genes appear to be associated with MDD, but some are more promising than others. These genes are: CRY1, CRY2, PER2 and NPAS2. When investigating the role of circadian genes in sleep disturbances among individuals with MDD, the most promising candidate gene is TIMELESS. Although the results in this area are limited.

Conclusion: Given the promising leads from this review, future studies should investigate circadian genes in sleep disturbances among the depressed population.

Keywords:

• Major depressive disorder
• circadian
• sleep
• genetics
• sleep-wake

Acknowledgments

None.

Statement of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Research and Innovation of Ontario (Canada).