Neural and molecular investigation into the paraventricular thalamus for chronic restraint stress induced depressive-like behaviors

INTRODUCTION: Disturbance of neural circuits and chronic stress contribute to depression onset. Given the crucial role of paraventricular nucleus of thalamus (PVT) in emotional behaviors, however, the specific neural and molecular mechanism of PVT in depression still unclear. OBJECTIVE: Our study aim to explore the neural and molecular mechanism of PVT in depression. METHODS: In the present study, we utilize behavioral tests,chemogenetics, RNA-sequence, molecular profiling and pharmacological approaches to investigate the role of PVT in depression. RESULTS: neurons (or PVT → NAc circuit) and NPY inhibitor. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our study uncovered that PVT regulated depressive-like behaviors via PVT → NAc circuit together with NPY, thus shedding light on potential target for preventing depression and promoting clinical translation.