Host-microbiome relationship in depression: Can human induced pluripotent stem cells play a role in unravelling mechanisms?

Many people suffer from depression, and the available treatments are ineffective for many of them. Recent findings highlight the crucial role of the gut microbiota in the development of depression, presenting promising new directions for therapy. To fully understand these mechanisms and identify effective treatment targets, research involving human subjects is critical. Because direct access to the central nervous system (CNS) is limited, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provide a valuable alternative model. This review by Rosell-Cardona et al. (2025) discusses the growing use of hiPSCs in studying the MGBA and their potential to advance research into depression. [NPID: Depression, gut microbiota, microbiota-gut-brain axis, hiPSCs, central nervous system, stem cell models, treatment resistance, neurobiology, therapeutic targets]

Year: 2025

Reference: Rosell-Cardona, C., Cryan, J. F., Clarke, G., & Kittel-Schneider, S. (2025). Host-microbiome relationship in depression: Can human induced pluripotent stem cells play a role in unravelling mechanisms? Npj Biofilms and Microbiomes, 11(1), 117. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-025-00749-z