Investigating the In Vitro Biology of Major Depression Disorder: Integrative Multi-Omics Approach

• Grant number: 25/12966-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Daniel Martins-de-Souza
• Grantee: Daniel Martins-de-Souza
• Principal researcher abroad: Rodrigo Roberto Rafagnin Duarte
• Institution abroad: King's College London , England
• Principal researcher abroad: Timothy Robert Powell
• Institution abroad: King's College London , England
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Campinas
• Associated researchers: Fernanda Crunfli
• Associated research grant: 23/14968-9 - The quest for antidepressant treatment response biomarkers: identifying the potential candidates, AP.R

Abstract

Psychiatric disorders rank among the most disabling health conditions worldwide, with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) being the most prevalent and socially burdensome. Despite the availability of pharmacological treatments, a substantial proportion of patients either do not respond or only partially benefit from existing therapies, highlighting the urgent need to better understand the underlying biological mechanisms and to develop more effective therapeutic strategies. This international exchange initiative between the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and King's College London aims to foster collaborative research in neuropsychiatry by integrating complementary expertise to advance the understanding of MDD pathophysiology.The UNICAMP team brings expertise in proteomics, metabolomics, and in vitro models based on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). The King's College team contributes in-depth knowledge in genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, and computational biology. By combining these skill sets, the collaboration will enable the integrative analysis of complex multi-omics datasets with translational relevance, while also promoting the development of young researchers and the dissemination of cutting-edge scientific knowledge.Key activities include the international workshop "Advancing Neuropsychiatric Research: From Discovery to Dissemination," to be held at King's College. This event will feature modules on omics technologies, in vitro modeling of neuropsychiatric disorders, integrative analytical strategies, and training in scientific writing in English. Additionally, a joint analysis of multi-omics data from patients undergoing antidepressant treatment will be conducted, aiming to identify biomarkers predictive of therapeutic response.The exchange will also support collaboration on a complementary project investigating the role of Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) in depression. The Brazilian team will contribute proteomic analyses, while King's College will provide transcriptomic and bioinformatic support. This joint effort will enhance the clinical relevance and scientific robustness of both studies.The initiative involves a multidisciplinary team of senior and early-career researchers. Prof. Dr. Daniel Martins-de-Souza, Head of the Neuroproteomics Lab at UNICAMP, leads the Brazilian team, contributing expertise in proteomics, systems biology, and hiPSC-based neural modeling. Prof. Dr. Timothy Powell, a prominent expert in molecular psychiatry at King's College London, adds significant value through his work in transcriptomics, telomere biology, and inflammation profiling. This collaboration will strengthen the Brazilian research team's international presence, expand their scientific networks, and advance personalized psychiatry. By integrating multi-layered molecular data with state-of-the-art in vitro models and analytical pipelines, the project aims to generate meaningful insights into the biology of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and support the development of individualized treatment strategies. (AU)