Differential serum exosome microRNA profile in a stress-induced depression rat model
Ke Fang1, Jing-Xian Xu1, Xing-Xing Chen1
1School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
Background:
Increasing evidence has shown the important role of exosomes in the maintenance of brain function and pathogenesis of brain disease, but little is known about their association with depression. The aim of this project was to explore the miRNA profile of exosomes in the serum of rats with depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS).
Methods:
A rat model of depression was replicated via CUMS. Behavioral performance was observed, and serum exosomes were isolated and identified. The protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), TrkB, and synaptotagmin 1 in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and serum exosomes were measured. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of differential genes was carried out using the R package clusterProfiler.
Results:
The CUMS rats showed depression-like behaviors, together with decreased expression levels of BDNF, TrkB, and synaptotagmin 1 in the hippocampus, PFC, and serum exosomes. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the differential expression of miRNAs might play an important role in the pathogenesis of stress-induced depression through the MAPK pathway, Wnt pathway, and mTOR pathway.
Limitations:
The protein expression levels of BDNF, TrkB, and synaptotagmin 1 were measured only in the hippocampus and PFC. The function of the differentially expressed miRNAs was not verified in the animal model, which should be investigated in detail in future studies.
Conclusions:
The miRNA profile was altered in rats with stress-induced depression, which might be considered a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of depression.
Insights
Exosomes in rat serum show altered microRNA profiles in depression. This discovery may lead to new biomarkers for early depression diagnosis and understanding stress-induced brain changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Exosomes play roles in brain function and disease pathogenesis.
- The association between exosomes and depression remains largely unexplored.
- This study investigates exosome microRNA profiles in a rat model of depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the microRNA (miRNA) profile of serum exosomes in rats with depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS).
- To identify potential molecular mechanisms and biomarkers associated with stress-induced depression.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of depression was established using CUMS.
- Serum exosomes were isolated and identified.
- Protein levels of BDNF, TrkB, and synaptotagmin 1 were measured.
- Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses were performed on differential genes.
Main Results:
- CUMS rats exhibited depression-like behaviors.
- Decreased expression of BDNF, TrkB, and synaptotagmin 1 was observed in the hippocampus, PFC, and serum exosomes.
- miRNA analysis suggested involvement of MAPK, Wnt, and mTOR pathways in depression pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- The miRNA profile is altered in stress-induced depression in rats.
- These alterations may serve as potential biomarkers for early depression diagnosis.
- Further research is needed to verify the function of differentially expressed miRNAs.
