Brain region and cell specificity of B4GALT6 in mice with depressive-like behavior: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant psychiatric condition that poses a serious threat to human life, primarily due to its association with suicidal behavior. The single nucleotide polymorphism rs372369000 is a risk locus for MDD and is located within the B4GALT6 gene. However, the biological and pathological implications of B4GALT6 in the brain concerning MDD remain unclear. AIM: To reveal the biological and pathological significance of B4GALT6 in the brain and MDD. METHODS: An inflammation-associated depression mouse model was developed by treating mice with lipopolysaccharides. B4GALT6-like immunoreactivity distribution and expression level was examined throughout the brain. RESULTS: B4GALT6-like immunoreactivity increased in the hippocampus, PrL, and the visual cortex V1 region of MDD mice. This elevation varied across different brain subregions and cell types. Specifically, pathological alterations in B4GALT6-like immunoreactivity were observed in CA1 microglia, CA2 neurons, CA3 microglia and neurons, as well as V1 microglia and astrocytes. These changes correlated with the pathology of depression. CONCLUSION: Although the neuropathological role of B4GALT6 in the brain remains to be fully characterized, B4GALT6 may be a potential therapeutic target for MDD.