one molecule -macrophage migration inhibitory factor- opens the door to new TXs for depression

“MIF is normally thought to play a role in tissue swelling and even cancer development, but its precise location and function in the brain remained a mystery. (…) Genetically and pharmaceutically manipulating the level of MIF in the hippocampus of rats, the researchers discovered that the absence of MIF significantly reduced the production of neurons and increased anxiety They also found that the lack of MIF decreases the ability of anti-depressants to stimulate neurogenesis. These findings have led the researchers to conclude that MIF plays an important role in neurogenesis and, in turn, the condition of anxiety and depression.”