Differential expression of serum extracellular vesicle microRNAs and analysis of target-gene pathways in major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) presents with both peripheral and central alterations, such that crosstalk between the periphery nervous system could contribute to its aetio-pathophysiology. One putative mediating mechanism is circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) their microRNA (miRNA) cargo. In this study, we investigated differential expression of serum EV miRNome in MDD patients versus controls aims identifying potential miRNA biomarkers downstream target gene pathways. miRNA-Sequencing was performed on EVs isolated from (n = 42) matched healthy Controls 18). Differential analysis conducted, followed by diagnostic power dysregulated miRNAs, pathway genes. Of 1800 miRNAs detected consistently, 33 were differentially expressed Control subjects, 17 up-regulated 16 down-regulated. Receiver-operating characteristic identified an a down-regulated panel each additive as biomarker for MDD. Predicted gene-pathways significantly enriched respect brain function, signal transduction substance dependence ontology. This study provides one first reports dysregulation MDD, including evidence identification pathways via which they may pathophysiology. Large-scale studies are required confirm Empirical involvement predicted target-gene relevant pathophysiology required.