The Role of DRD2-Dependent Genes in the Formation of Depressive Behavior

The Psychoneuroimmunological Model of Moral Distress and Health in Healthcare Workers: Toward Individual and System-Level Solutions

“…In this study, frontline HCWs more often met the criteria for clinically-relevant depression and PTSD and also exhibited upregulated methylation of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1), which is involved in regulating the HPA axis and the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), which may account for the development of behavioral and substance disorders like anhedonia, depressed mood, and psychotic symptoms. DNA methylation in CRHR1 and DRD2 also was associated with increased cortisol levels [ 177 ]. These results highlight the neuroplasticity of gene expression involved in the stress response and suggest that CRHR1 and DRD2 methylation can be modulated through the experience of chronic stress and that epigenetic modification in these genes might be implicated in the development of depression and PTSD [ 176 , 178 ].…”