We demonstrated that in mice, a deficit in eIF4E phosphorylation triggers depression and anxiety phenotypes (Figs. 1, 4 and Supplementary Fig. 1), as well as reduced activity of DR neurons and impaired serotonin neurotransmission in the PFC (Figs. 2, 4 and Supplementary Fig. 3 and 4). Here, EIF4E is linked to major depressive disorder.