In general population, six correlations were identified in plasma and CSF such as plasma protease C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) with neuroticism score (r = − 0.011, P = 2.56 × 10− 9) in plasma, C1-INH with neuroticism score (r = -0.010, P = 3.09 × 10− 8) in CSF, and ERBB1 with self-reported depression (r = − 0.012, P = 4.65 × 10− 5) in CSF. The gene discussed is EGFR; the disease is major depressive disorder.