Diagnostic and Therapeutic Mechanisms of Depression Based on CRISPR Gene Editing and Brain-Machine Interface Technologies

Abstract

Depression, particularly treatment-resistant depression (TRD), is characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, motivation lack, and recurrent relapses. It significantly impacts the normal work and daily life of patients. In the long run, the absence of effective treatment is one of most crucial factors leading to disability among these patients. Traditional therapies such as pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are ineffective in a substantial number of patients. Therefore, there is an urgent imperative to develop revolutionary diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study delves into therapeutic strategies and clinical challenges of treatment of two new technologies for TRD. CRISPR technology identified potential targets and performed target editing of depression related genes such as FZD6, BDNF, LRFN5 and OTX2. Such editing contributes to regulating neural plasticity at the genetic level. BCI technology summarized and analyzed two distinct algorithms that decoded electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to offer objective biomarkers for diagnosis. Additionally, it discussed the use of closed - loop systems to modulate neuromodulation techniques such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) in real time for personalized treatment. This study indicates that both offer highly valuable breakthrough directions for addressing TRD despite the different technical pathways of the two approaches with one focusing on the genetic level and the other on the neural circuit level. These findings contribute to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for TRD.