Exploiting genomic approaches to identify the environmental basis of depression

Despite advances in our understanding of depression's genetic basis, there remain gaps in our understanding of its risk factors that impede prevention. In a series of linked studies, I will identify the genetic and behavioural changes in individuals and their close relatives that lead to depression through habits and lifestyle, spouses and early family environment. I will compare these findings with the genetic changes that lead to behaviours, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, to identify if these environmental factors also increase the risk of depression. I will also measure 'epigenetic' changes to the surface of DNA that affect its function and use these measures as a means of improving the prediction of depression and the measurement of its risk factors. I will then optimise the prediction of depression and its risk factors by applying these findings to unaffected and depressed individuals studied over many years.