Post-stroke depression: epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications and their interplay with gut microbiota.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microbiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications regulate physiological processes at DNA and RNA levels.
• Gut microbiota and its metabolites influence epigenetic (DNA methylation, histone modification) and epitranscriptomic (N6-methyladenosine) pathways.
• These dynamic modifications are implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke and depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the interplay between gut microbiota, epigenetic/epitranscriptomic pathways, and candidate genes in post-stroke depression.
• To identify novel molecular targets for managing post-stroke depression due to a lack of specific interventions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the interaction between gut microbiota and epigenetic/epitranscriptomic modifications.
• Analysis of candidate genes involved in post-stroke depression pathogenesis.
• Focus on brain-derived neurotrophic factor, ten-eleven translocation family proteins, and fat mass and obesity-associated protein.

Main Results:

• Gut microbiota modulates epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications.
• These modifications play a role in the development of stroke and depression.
• Specific genes like BDNF, TET, and FTO are implicated in post-stroke depression.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiota-epigenetics-epitranscriptomics axis is a promising area for novel therapeutic strategies in neurological diseases.
• Understanding this axis can lead to targeted interventions for post-stroke depression.
• BDNF, TET proteins, and FTO are key candidates for further investigation in post-stroke depression.