Transcriptomics of mouse astrocytes after LPS stimulation
This study reveals a novel mechanism linking gut microbiota dysbiosis to depression-like behaviors: disruption of the intestinal barrier elevates blood endotoxins (e.g., LPS), which impair mitochondrial function in hippocampal astrocytes. Omics analysis identifies downregulation of ATP5O as a key event, suppressing oxidative phosphorylation and energy production, ultimately leading to depression. The findings confirm the causal role of gut microbes and propose an innovative ATP5O-centered "gut-astrocyte" axis, offering new potential therapeutic targets for depression.