A global study led by scientists from University College London in the UK has discovered over 50 new genetic loci related to depression (loci are the positions of genes on chromosomes), as well as 205 new genes. This is the first large-scale genetic study conducted by scientists on severe depression based on participants from different ethnic groups, which is expected to bring new therapies for depression. The relevant paper was published in the latest issue of the journal Nature Genetics. Depression is common, but people know very little about its development process. The use of big data in genetic research provides new avenues for understanding this disease. The discovery of dozens of genes related to depression helps identify new drug targets for treating depression. But so far, such research has mainly focused on people of European ancestry, which is a research flaw for complex diseases such as depression. The latest paper involves various genetic research methods, including whole genome association studies, meta-analysis of previously published data, and whole transcriptome association studies. The research team reviewed genetic data from 21 study cohorts from several countries, including nearly 1 million participants from Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Hispanic, and Latin American populations. Among them, 88316 patients with severe depression were included. This study has made significant progress in identifying genes associated with the risk of depression. Identified some new genes that may have a biologically plausible association with depression; A gene that encodes a protein related to various neurological diseases; Revealed some genes that have potential impacts on drug development. Researchers suggest that in order for genetic research to help develop new drugs suitable for all populations, it is crucial to diversify genetic datasets appropriately. (Lixin News Agency) (Reporter Liu Xia)