Autogen finds potential key to depression gene

In a serendipitous discovery a couple of years ago, Autogen researchers found that the Israeli Sand Rat, Psammomys obesus, which the company uses for its diabetes and obesity gene discovery program, exhibited behaviour indicative of depression and anxiety when isolated from litter mates.

According to CEO Prof Greg Collier, the animals responded to isolation by losing weight, and showing behavioural changes, including reduced grooming and remaining on the perimeter of a trial space rather than exploring the space.

While the response was temporary for most animals in the outbred colony, some animals showed no signs of depression or anxiety, while other animals never recovered from the depression, and ended up dying.

And the researchers discovered that human antidepressants like minaprine could prevent the depression, suggesting that the model could be used for testing potential antidepressant drugs.

The results of studies performed by Autogen on the development of the novel animal model for depression will be presented to neuroscientists in Adelaide this week at the annual meeting of the Australian Neuroscience Society meeting.

Collier said the new model demonstrated the three attributes required by the pharmaceutical industry including:

• Face validity -- in which animals show altered behaviour consistent with mental illness
• Construct validity -- in which there must be a logical and repeatable reason that explains the observed behaviour
• Predictive validity -- in which observed effects can be reduced by existing therapeutic intervention.

"These results confirm that this animal model has potential application both in gene discovery research and as a rapid, cost-effective and reliable screen for therapeutic lead compounds," Collier said.

Autogen is using the model to look for associated genes as part of its depression and anxiety gene discovery program, which the company is looking to partner later this year with a major pharmaceutical company.

"We have lots of very exciting research in the area going on at the moment," said business development manager James Campbell.

The model provides Autogen with a significant advantage in the discovery of genes associated with depression and anxiety.

But the model is also available to companies wishing to test therapeutic drugs through Autogen's fee for service eXpress Technology Platform, he said.

Campbell noted that while the company was in discussions with major pharmaceutical companies over partnering deals, several had indicated their interest in using the model for screening purposes.

"Using our animal model will allow pharmaceutical companies to relatively cheaply weed out those drugs which have no effect on the symptoms of depression while helping them focus on the drugs that have the potential to proceed to clinical trials," Collier said.

"This model will be useful for the pharmaceutical market which is looking to cut costs and speed up the process to developing the next Prozac."