GATA1 repression-mediated ADRB2/cAMP/PKA signaling activation underlies the antidepressant effects of targeted geniposide delivery

Depression is associated with complex hippocampal pathology, including disrupted signaling and neuronal damage. In this study, we developed a novel targeted nanoplatform using nucleic acid aptamer-modified astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles loaded with geniposide (Apt-EVs@GP) to investigate its therapeutic mechanism, with a focus on the GATA binding protein 1 (GATA1)/adrenergic receptor beta 2 (ADRB2) axis in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model. Apt-EVs@GP exhibited excellent biocompatibility and targeted accumulation in the hippocampus. Apt-EVs@GP treatment significantly ameliorated depression-like behaviors, as evidenced by enhanced locomotor activity and reduced immobility in standard behavioral assays. Transcriptomic analysis combined with molecular validation identified a key regulatory mechanism: Apt-EVs@GP suppressed stress-induced upregulation of GATA1, thereby relieving its transcriptional repression of ADRB2. This regulatory interaction was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Restoration of ADRB2 expression led to robust activation of the downstream cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway. Functionally, reprogramming of the GATA1/ADRB2/cAMP axis conferred comprehensive hippocampal protection, including attenuation of neuroinflammation, suppression of neuronal apoptosis, and restoration of synaptic integrity. Our findings demonstrate that Apt-EVs@GP alleviates depression by targeting a novel GATA1/ADRB2 mechanism, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy against depression-related hippocampal pathology.