Publications by authors named "Ellen Tuck"
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediates H3K27me3 deposition, which is thought to recruit canonical PRC1 (cPRC1) via chromodomain-containing CBX proteins to promote stable repression of developmental genes. PRC2 forms two major subcomplexes, PRC2.1 and PRC2.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPreclinical and clinical studies suggest that inflammation and vascular dysfunction contribute to the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Chronic social stress alters blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity through loss of tight junction protein claudin-5 (cldn5) in male mice, promoting passage of circulating proinflammatory cytokines and depression-like behaviors. This effect is prominent within the nucleus accumbens, a brain region associated with mood regulation; however, the mechanisms involved are unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and serious mental health condition, affecting 20% of people, with higher prevalence in women and significant economic impacts, but 30-50% of sufferers resist current treatments.
- Chronic stress is the main environmental risk factor for depression, but not everyone under stress develops MDD, necessitating research into biological factors that contribute to vulnerability and resilience.
- Animal models have been used to investigate the complex causes of MDD, revealing physiological and immune system changes that could inform new treatment strategies, considering factors like sex differences and individual responses to stress.