Epigenetics in depression and gut-brain axis: A molecular crosstalk

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microbiology
• Genetics

Background:

• The gut-brain axis is a complex communication network linking the gut and brain.
• Alterations in the microbiota-gut-brain axis are implicated in metabolic, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Gut microbiota significantly regulates the gut-brain axis through metabolic and neuroendocrine pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of gut dysbiosis in epigenetic regulation.
• To explore the causal interaction between host epigenetic modification and gut microbiome in depression.
• To highlight microbiome and epigenome as potential targets for depression diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical and preclinical findings.
• Analysis of microbial metabolites' impact on epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA).
• Investigation of short-chain fatty acids (e.g., butyrate) as histone deacetylase inhibitors.

Main Results:

• Gut microbial metabolites can induce epigenetic alterations, influencing disease modulation.
• Specific metabolites like butyrate, folate, and choline regulate epigenetic mechanisms.
• Microbiome dysbiosis and epigenetics play a potential role in depression pathophysiology.

Conclusions:

• Gut dysbiosis is involved in epigenetic regulation relevant to depression.
• There is a causal interaction between host epigenetic modifications and the gut microbiome in depression.
• Targeting the microbiome and epigenome offers a promising avenue for depression management.