Circadian and epigenetic control of depression-like behaviors

Accumulating evidence illustrates that disruption of circadian rhythms may lead to depression-like behaviors. Recent studies demonstrate that neuronal and synaptic gene induction is under epigenetic control, and robust epigenetic remodeling is observed under depression and related psychiatric disorders. Notably, intertwined links between the circadian clock and epigenetics may point to novel approaches for antidepressant treatments, epigenetic therapy and chronotherapy. Indeed, clock components directly or indirectly coordinate cyclic epigenetic modifications and cyclic histone modifications are required for rhythmic gene expression. Here we propose that potential strategies for antidepressant therapy should incorporate epigenetic rewiring of neuronal gene regulation through circadian genomic and epigenetic variation.