Role of histone deacetylases in neuroplasticity impairments and inflammation in major depression

Abstract

This paper critically reviews the interesting and extensive knowledge regarding the role of some HDACs in major depression. MD is associated with neuroplasticity failure and inflammatory events, in which, several histone deacetylase (HDACs) enzymes play a key role. Specifically, increased expression of specific HDACs are linked to depressive-like behaviour, repress the expression of the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and induce a pro-inflammatory response. Conversely, other HDACs exert an antidepressant action, promote dendritic growth and protect neurons or immune cells from inflammatory events. The right balance between both types is needed to respond correctly to the different physiological/pathological stimuli. However, aberrant expressions or activities of specific HDACs could be associated with MD. Further studies should identify the mechanism by which MD regulates specific HDAC subtypes both in post-mortem brain tissue and in peripheral immune cells.