With use of the RNA‐sequencing assay, we identified a differential increase in miR‐211‐5p in this CUMS‐induced rat model of depression and assessed the role of its downstream signalling pathway, Dyrk1A (dual‐specificity tyrosine phosphorylation‐regulated kinase 1A)/ASK1 (apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1)/JNK/p38, as related to the neuronal apoptosis and display of depression‐like behaviours in these rats. This evidence concerns the gene DYRK1A and major depressive disorder.