Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Animal Models of Depression - Chronic Despair Model CDM
Published on: September 23, 2021
Changed PGA and POSTN levels in choroid plexus are associated with depressive-like behaviors in mice
1Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing, 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
Insights
Major depressive disorder (MDD) may involve specific proteins like Pepsin A (PGA) and periostin (POSTN). Their expression in the brain's choroid plexus (CP) could be a key factor in MDD pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of global disability.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins are increasingly recognized as potential biomarkers for MDD.
- The choroid plexus (CP) produces CSF and interfaces with brain tissue, reflecting its metabolic state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of Pepsin A (PGA) and periostin (POSTN) in the CP of mice.
- To compare PGA and POSTN expression between lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MDD models and wild-type (WT) mice.
- To explore the potential role of CP-expressed PGA and POSTN in MDD pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model to mimic MDD.
- Examined protein expression levels of PGA and POSTN within the choroid plexus (CP).
- Compared protein expression between MDD model mice and wild-type controls.
Main Results:
- Observed discrepancies in PGA and POSTN expression in the CP between LPS-induced MDD mice and WT mice.
- These findings suggest altered expression of specific proteins in the CP during depression-like states.
- PGA and POSTN identified as potential candidates involved in MDD.
Conclusions:
- Expression of Pepsin A (PGA) and periostin (POSTN) in the choroid plexus (CP) may be implicated in the pathogenesis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
- These proteins could serve as novel targets for understanding and treating MDD.
- Further research into CP protein expression may enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for MDD.
Abstract:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) has become a potential cause of death and disability among young people worldwide. Numerous studies have indicated that the different cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins may be used as mediums for MDD. Given the emergent interest of CSF proteins in MDD, we validated proteins expression in the choroid plexus (CP), the brain region that produces CSF in the lateral ventricle, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle of the central nervous system (CNS). The CSF constantly exchanges molecular substances with the brain tissue, which can dynamically reflect the metabolic microenvironment of the brain. In our previous study, Pepsin A (PGA) and periostin (POSTN) was associated with depressive-like behaviors of depressed macaca fascicularis models in CSF. Moreover, proteins that are expressed in the CP can be secreted into the CSF and may be associated MDD. This study sought to demonstrate the discrepancy of PGA and POSTN in the CP between Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induce depressed mice models and wild type (WT) mice. Our findings suggest that PGA and POSTN expression in CP of mice could be a possible candidate pathogenesis involved in MDD, which may contribute to a better understanding and treatment of MDD.
