RNA sequencing analysis of gene expression in the prefrontal cortex of mice treated with antidepressant drugs

We performed high-throughput profiling of gene expression in mouse prefrontal cortex in response to antidepressant treatment. BALB/c mice were treated with sertraline, duloxetine, or water for three weeks. Then we performed forced swim test to check their antidepressant-like behavior. We divided these animals to responder and non-responder based on their behavior in the forced swim test. We then conducted the transcriptomics analysis and found specific and distinct genes in responder and non-responder mice. Our study provided deep insights into the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the behavioral response to antidepressants. Overall design: BALB/c mice were treated with sertraline, duloxetine, or water for three weeks. Total 5 groups were set up: mice received water (E), sertraline for responder (F) and non-responder (G), duloxetine for responser (H) and non-responder (I). Three replicates were used for each group.