A genetic variant in miRNA binding site of glutamate receptor 4, metabotropic (GRM4) is associated with increased risk of major depressive disorder.

•Rs2229901 is a 3′ UTR variation of GRM4 gene.•Association of rs2229901 with major depressive disorder was investigated.•G allele of rs2229901 was more prevalent in patients with major depressive disorder.•rs2229901 is probably associated with the risk of major depressive disorder.