Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40660450›Full record

ReviewCurrent neuropharmacology2026

Targeting the cGAS-STING Pathway: Modulating Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Autophagy for Novel Depression Therapies.

Wen Ma, Shanshan Chu, Yumei Ma, Sutian Wang, Xuehai Ma

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Current neuropharmacology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Oxidative stress in neurodegeneration: from a simple insult to a dynamic regulator.Redox report : communications in free radical research · 2026
    Review
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Wen MaXinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, China.
Shanshan ChuXinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, China.
Yumei MaThe Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili, China.
Sutian WangState Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
Xuehai MaXinjiang Key Laboratory of Mental Development and Learning Science, College of Psychology, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, China.

Funding

Doctoral (Postdoctoral) Research Start-up Fund Project of Xinjiang Normal University XJNUBS202419Special Project on Science and Technology Innovation Strategy ZX202401-01"Top Young Talents" Project of Xinjiang Normal University XJNUQB2024-01Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Special Training Programme for Ethnic Minorities 2022D03052
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

The pathological mechanisms underlying depression, a prevalent mental disorder, remain only partially elucidated despite extensive research efforts. Recent advancements have underscored the pivotal roles of multiple biological processes in the onset and progression of depression, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy. Inflammation is associated with the disruption of neurotransmitter systems and neural plasticity, whereas oxidative stress contributes to neuronal damage and impaired brain function. Moreover, moderate autophagy is essential for maintaining neuronal health. Dysregulation of autophagy may lead to the accumulation of damaged proteins and organelles, which can exacerbate depressive symptoms. Among the various molecular pathways involved, the cGAS-STING signalling pathway has emerged as a key regulator of these processes. Traditionally known for its role in detecting cytosolic DNA and initiating innate immune defences against pathogens, the cGAS-STING pathway has recently been implicated in regulating inflammatory responses, oxidative stress levels, and autophagy in the central nervous system. This dual function positions the cGAS-STING pathway as a potential link between immune dysregulation and the neurobiological foundations of depression. This paper offers a systematic overview of existing studies on the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy within the central nervous system, particularly in the context of depression. The review reveals how modulation of the cGAS-STING pathway may influence these critical biological processes and thereby ameliorate depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the review discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting the cGAS-STING pathway and offers promising research directions. Ultimately, this paper aims to provide novel insights and approaches for developing more effective treatments for depression.

Indexed as

Antidepressive AgentsAutophagyDepressionInflammationMembrane ProteinsNucleotidyltransferasesOxidative StressAnimalscGAS-STING Signaling PathwayCyclic Guanosine Monophosphate-Adenosine Monophosphate SynthaseHumansSignal TransductionSTING ProteinAntidepressive AgentscGAS protein, humanCyclic Guanosine Monophosphate-Adenosine Monophosphate SynthaseMembrane ProteinsNucleotidyltransferasesSTING1 protein, humanSTING ProteinautophagycGAS-STINGdepressioninflammationneuroimmunityoxidative stressphysical exercisetherapeutic strategy

Identifiers

PMID40660450
PMCPMC13270048

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.