MST1‐knockdown protects against impairment of working memory via regulating neural activity in depression‐like mice

We reported that over‐expression of MST1 induced the impairment of spatial memory via disturbing neural oscillation patterns in mice. Meanwhile, the P‐MST1 is increased in the hippocampus after chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). However, it is unclear if MST1 knockdown protects against stress‐induced memory deficits via modulating neural activities. In the study, a CUMS mouse model was established and an intrahippocampal injection of AAV‐shMST1 was used to knockdown MST1 in the hippocampus. The data showed that there were memory deficits with over‐expressed P‐MST1 level in CUMS mice. However, MST1 knockdown can significantly prevent the damages of CUMS‐induced working memory and synaptic plasticity via regulating neural oscillation patterns. It suggests that MST1 down‐regulation effectively protected against stress‐induced behavioral dysfunctions. Moreover, as a more convenient way, neural oscillation analysis could provide some assistance for the auxiliary diagnosis and treatment of depression.