Animal models and molecular mechanism of major depressive disorder

摘要

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been a devastating neurological problem in modern histo-ry. However, therapeutic strategies to relief the disease are inadequate. The limit in understanding of the molecular mechanism of MDD has been holding back discovery of new therapies. Behind this problem is the establishment of animal models to truly reflect human MDD pathology. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the molecular mechanism of MDD and the strength and weakness of rodent models of depression. Developing new models of MDD and finding new drugable targets are still important steps to discover new therapies against MDD.