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A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
MicroRNA-27a participates in the pathological process of depression in rats by regulating VEGFA
Jian Cui1, Cunqi Gong2, Baorui Cao2
1Department of Psychiatry, Jining Psychiatric Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272051, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The present study aimed to determine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and microRNA (miRNA/miR)-27a in hippocampal tissues, and serum from a depression model of rats. In addition, the present study aimed to understand the mechanism of regulation of miR-27a in depression. A total of 40 male rats were selected, and divided into the control and depression model groups. The rats in the model group were subjected to 14 types of stimulations to model depression. By determining the body weight, syrup consumption rate and open field test score, the extent of depression in the rats was evaluated. Quantitative-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of VEGFA mRNA and miR-27a in hippocampal tissues, and serum. ELISA was used to measure the content of VEGFA protein in serum, while western blotting was employed to determine the expression of VEGFA protein in hippocampal tissues. A dual luciferase assay was carried out to identify the interactions between VEGFA mRNA and miR-27a. The rats in the depression model group showed depression symptoms and the depression model was successfully constructed. Rats with depression had lower VEGFA mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus, and peripheral blood compared with the control group. Rats in the depression model group had reduced levels of miR-27a in the hippocampus and peripheral blood, which may be associated with the levels of VEGFA. miR-27a was able to bind with the 3'-untranslated region of VEGFA mRNA to regulate its expression. The present study demonstrated that miR-27a expression in hippocampal tissues and blood from rats with depression is upregulated, while the expression of VEGFA mRNA and protein is downregulated. miR-27a may participate in the pathological process of depression in rats by regulating VEGFA.
Insights
This study found that microRNA (miR)-27a is upregulated in rats with depression, while vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is downregulated in both brain tissue and blood. miR-27a appears to regulate VEGFA, suggesting a role in depression pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Depression is a complex mental disorder with underlying molecular mechanisms that are not fully understood.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) plays a role in neurogenesis and vascularization, and its dysregulation has been implicated in depression.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are increasingly recognized for their involvement in psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of VEGFA and miR-27a in the hippocampus and serum of a rat model of depression.
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of miR-27a in the context of depression.
- To explore the potential relationship between miR-27a and VEGFA in the pathophysiology of depression.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a rat model of depression using 14 types of stimuli.
- Assessment of depression severity through body weight, syrup consumption, and open field tests.
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for VEGFA mRNA and miR-27a expression.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for serum VEGFA protein.
- Western blotting for hippocampal VEGFA protein.
- Dual-luciferase reporter assay to confirm the interaction between miR-27a and VEGFA mRNA.
Main Results:
- The depression model in rats was successfully established, exhibiting characteristic depression symptoms.
- Rats with depression showed significantly lower expression of VEGFA mRNA and protein in both hippocampal tissues and peripheral blood compared to controls.
- Levels of miR-27a were reduced in the hippocampus and peripheral blood of depressed rats.
- A direct interaction was confirmed, where miR-27a binds to the 3'-untranslated region of VEGFA mRNA, thereby regulating its expression.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates an upregulation of miR-27a and a downregulation of VEGFA (mRNA and protein) in the hippocampus and serum of rats with depression.
- miR-27a may play a significant role in the pathological processes of depression by negatively regulating VEGFA expression.
- These findings highlight a novel molecular pathway involving miR-27a and VEGFA in the development of depression.
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