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

Sarah Kittel-Schneider, Gerard Clarke, John F Cryan, Cristina Rosell-Cardona

Journal: NPJ biofilms and microbiomes 2025;11(1):117

PMID: 40595695

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Abstract

Depression is highly prevalent, with many patients not responding to existing treatments. The gut microbiota plays a key role in its pathophysiology, offering new therapeutic avenues. Human-based research is essential to uncover mechanisms and validate new targets. Given CNS inaccessibility, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer an innovative model. This review explores the emerging field of hiPSCs and their potential in advancing microbiota-gut-brain axis science and depression research.

Address: APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. [email protected].; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. [email protected].; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1038/s41522-025-00749-z

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https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html

MeSH Terms: Humans, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Depression, Host Microbial Interactions