Imaging genetics insights into the association between polymorphisms of HPA-axis genes and brain function alterations in depressed adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the interaction between HPA-axis gene polymorphisms (FKBP5, NR3C1, AVPR1B, SLC1A3, SKA2) and brain functional alterations in adolescent depression.

METHODS

Between May 2021 and June 2024, 150 medication-naïve depressed adolescents and 44 healthy controls underwent HPA-axis SNP genotyping and resting-state fMRI scanning. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate SNP-depression associations, and chi-square tests were used to assess Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and genotype distributions. Imaging metrics (ALFF/fALFF/ReHo/FC) were analyzed via independent t-tests (group differences) and 2 × 2 ANOVA (diagnosis/genotype main effects + interaction) with FDR correction (p < 0.05), followed by depression score correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Among the examined HPA-axis gene polymorphisms, only SKA2-rs7208505 showed a significant association with depression, with G allele carriers exhibiting increased risk (OR = 1.751-2.321, p < 0.05), whereas NR3C1-rs41423247, AVPR1-rs28373064, FKBP5-rs9470080, and SLC1A3-rs2269272 showed no associations (all p > 0.05). Depressed adolescents exhibited elevated ALFF/ReHo in the right precentral gyrus (PreCG) /supplementary motor area (SMA) and increased sensorimotor network connectivity, but decreased ALFF in the cerebellum, angular gyrus, and precuneus (all p < 0.05, FDR-corrected). A Diagnosis×SKA2-rs7208505 interaction significantly modulated functional connectivity from right PreCG to bilateral inferior temporal and postcentral gyri (all p < 0.05, Bonferroni-corrected).

CONCLUSION

SKA2-rs7208505 was associated with adolescent depression, with the G allele conferring risk. A significant Diagnosis×SNP interaction was found for functional connectivity between the right PreCG and bilateral inferior temporal/postcentral gyri, indicating this SNP and brain functional alterations are linked to adolescent depression pathogenesis. These findings provide novel insights and support for early prevention and intervention strategies.