FTO (fat-mass and obesity-associated protein) deficiency aggravates age-dependent depression-like behaviors and cognitive impairment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The demethylase fat mass and obesity-related associated protein (FTO) is strongly associated with depression. Aging is a risk factor for synaptic plasticity damage in the brain and leads to neurocognitive dysfunctions. FTO-dependent m6A modification plays an important role in neurodevelopment and cognitive function. However, whether FTO is associated with susceptibility to depression in different age groups remains unknown.

Methods

We subjected 3-and 12-month-old C57BL/6J male mice to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 6 weeks, of which 3 weeks were used for hippocampal injection of FTO knockdown adeno-associated virus 9 shRNA (FTO-KD AAV9). Finally, 36 male mice in each 3-month-old and 12-month-old groups were divided into three groups (n = 12): Sham, C

SUBMITTER: Li M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12167586 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature