Neuroscientists from Columbia University and McGill University have identified a brain chemical that may be key to understanding why individuals who faced childhood trauma are more prone to depression and suicidal thoughts.
The researchers found that elevated levels of a stress-related protein known as SGK1 are strongly linked to depression among people who experienced early-life adversity, such as abuse or neglect. The discovery could pave the way for a new generation of antidepressants designed to block SGK1 activity — potentially offering better treatment outcomes for trauma-affected individuals.
According to studies, about 60% of adults in the United States diagnosed with major depression and nearly two-thirds of those who attempt suicide report having experienced some form of trauma or hardship during childhood.
Further genetic analysis of children exposed to adversity showed that those carrying gene variants that boost SGK1 production were more likely to develop depression as teenagers.
The findings strengthen the evidence that SGK1 plays a biological role in depression and suicidal behavior, especially in individuals who experienced trauma early in life — offering hope for more targeted therapies in the future.