Abstract
Exposure to chronic stress can be differently perceived by individuals and can have persistent sequelae depending on the level of stress, resilience, or vulnerability of the individual. While stress vulnerability may influence depression, the molecular and neural mechanisms underlying the susceptibility and resilience to chronic stress within the brain are poorly understood. Recent studies including our works suggest that stress‐induced changes in epigenetic mechanisms and subsequent synaptic and structural plasticity may be key underlying mechanisms of stress resilience and susceptibility. Indeed, disruptions in transcription occur in various brain areas in preclinical models of depression and in patients with depression. Recent studies have suggested that histone deacetylases (HDACs) ‐mediated gene transcription has important roles in the pathophysiology and the treatment of depression. Here, we review information regarding current understanding of HDACs‐mediated pathways that may impact depression susceptibility and resilience. These novel mechanisms of action may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating major depression.
