The RNA Demethyltransferase FTO Regulates Ferroptosis in Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a widespread and severe mental health condition characterized by persistent low mood and loss of interest. Emerging evidence suggests that ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, and epigenetic dysregulation contribute to the pathogenesis of MDD. This study investigates the role of RNA demethylase FTO and autophagy regulator BECN1 in ferroptosis and their regulation by the active compound ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) as a potential antidepressant strategy. Hippocampal tissues from postmortem MDD patient brains and mice with chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced depression were analyzed. Ferroptosis was evaluated by analyzing the levels of markers such as glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). GRb1 was administered to CRS model mice by gavage to explore its effects on ferroptosis-related pathways. The results showed that FTO and BECN1 expression was reduced in the hippocampal tissues of MDD patients and CRS model mice, promoting ferroptosis via disruption of the antioxidant system. Moreover, GRb1 treatment increased FTO and BECN1 expression, modulated m6A methylation, restored the antioxidant balance, and inhibited ferroptosis in CRS model mice. These findings reveal a novel epigenetic mechanism of ferroptosis in MDD and highlight GRb1 as a promising agent for treating depression through the targeting of ferroptosis pathways.