Suicide is increasing greatly in recent years. There are more than 30000 suicides, especially in middle-aged men. Almost all of the cases seem to have the background of mental disorders. Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has decided to launch a national project to prevent suicide, targeting areas of 150000 people for next 5 years.
Prof. Shigenobu Kanba has been deeply involved in this research project. He has been studying molecular mechanisms why interferon induces depression in patients with C-type viral hepatitis. He has recently found a meaningful relationship between depression and neurogenesis in the hippocampus.