Dr. Anna Landsman

In our research, we investigate the modifications on the molecular level related to psychiatric disorders. We are particularly interested in the deviations in the gene expression profile of which are possible underlie postpartum depression (PPD).  PPD is moderate to severe depression in a woman after she has given birth. The time after childbirth, which is supposed to be one of the happiest periods of life, turns to be a sad, painful, and even dramatically so, one in the women's life. Moreover, PPD potentially harms not only depressive women but also the new-born child and the entire family. Sometimes the damage is irreversible.

To date, we have succeeded in identifying genes whose modifications may be a reason for the development of PPD.

The purpose of our research is an investigation of the ethology and pathogenesis of the disease on the molecular level. Understanding the molecular events involved in the condition is crucial for its successful treatment and prediction.

In order to recognize the molecular mechanism underlying PPD development, we applied microarray technology to characterize peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression of women with a history of postpartum depression versus control women. The results of our study clearly show that women who are considered completely recovered from postpartum depression on a clinical level, in fact have an altered molecular profile as compared to the women without a history of depression. Their molecular profile exhibits significant increase in the expression level of genes responsible for key intracellular metabolic and biosynthetic processes, gene expression and transcription, and other vital cell processes. Moreover, we succeeded in identifying genes whose modifications may be a reason for the PPD development, and may serve as markers for the disease prediction.

At the present time, we are continuing to investigate the molecular modifications related to PPD. For this purpose, we are collaborating with Meuchedet Health Organization (Israel), Eitanim Psychiatric Hospital (Jerusalem, Israel), Shaarei Zedek Medical Center (Jerusalem, Israel), and the Pediatric Academy of Saint Petersburg (Russia).     

1. Landsman A., Aidelman R., Smith Y., Boyko, M., Greenberger C. Distinctive gene

   expression profile in women with history of postpartum depression. Genomics.

   (2017), 109(1):1-8. Impact factor: 3.270. Q1.

2. Landsman A., Greenberger, C. Postpartum Depression: Once and for All? Journal of Genomic Medicine and Pharmacogenomics. (2019), 4 (1).

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=sDV11-YAAAAJ