Understanding the origin of depression to identify new therapeutic targets

João Filipe Oliveira

  • PROJECT LEADER

    João Filipe Oliveira

  • HOST ORGANIZATION,
    COUNTRY

    Universidade do Minho, Portugal

  • DESCRIPTION

    Depression is a mental health problem that affects more than 300 million people worldwide, of whom 65% relapse following treatment. The disorder causes cognitive impairments that reduce quality of life.

    The neurological basis of depression is still unknown, but the condition correlates with alterations of the neuronal functions in the region of the limbic and cortical systems of the brain.

    The project investigates the role of astrocytes in depression to find new therapeutic targets, since previous results suggest that molecular and structural alterations of these cells underlie the development of depression.

  • PROJECT TITLE

    Neuron-astrocyte signaling in depression: learning from astrocytes how to effectively treat depression

  • BUDGET

    €499,478.45