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Publications

Journal Article Review Ppublish

PubMed: 40341897 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-025-03044-7

Implications of neurogenesis in depression through BDNF: rodent models, regulatory pathways, gut microbiota, and potential therapy.

Mol Psychiatry 30(9):4409-4421

Authors: Haijun Han, Jianhua Yao, Jinhan Wu, Shiqi Mao, Hongyi Pan, Lingling Qv, Guanqi Zhu, Juntian Ren, Yaning Yu, Feiyang Xuan, Linghui Zeng, Yunlong Ma, Zhongli Yang, Zhijing Zhu, Feng Zhu, Ming D Li

Affiliations

  • Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
  • Joint Institute of Tobacco and Health, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
  • Central Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
  • Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, Lifespan Brain Institute at Penn Med and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
  • State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
  • State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

Abstract

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder with a profound impact on global health, necessitating a deeper understanding of its pathophysiology. This review synthesizes current evidence linking neurogenesis, particularly in the hippocampal region, with MDD. Accumulating data showed a significant reduction of neurogenesis in the hippocampal region of both MDD patients and various MDD rodent models. We highlight the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its associated signaling pathways in regulating neurogenesis and depressive symptoms. Additionally, the influence of gut microbiota on the neurogenesis in depression is presented, offering a novel perspective on environmental modulation of neurogenesis. This review also underscores the potential antidepressant interventions targeting neurogenesis and BDNF's regulation, such as therapeutic benefits of environmental enrichment, physical activity, and pharmacological agents in enhancing neurogenesis and alleviating depressive symptoms. Together, this systemic review provides a foundation for future research aiming at developing personalized treatments by targeting neurogenesis in MDD, potentially leading to novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

MeSH

Depression, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Neurogenesis, Molecular Biology, Mental Disorders, Signs And Symptoms, Neurosciences, Therapeutics, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Microbiota

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