KCNJ10 and major depressive disorder: Consistent with the potential role of astrocytic Kir4.1 channels in the pathogenesis and treatment of MDD, recent studies have shown that astrocytic Kir4.1 channels in the lateral habenula (LHb) are involved in altering the firing mode of LHb neurons and modulating the induction of depressive behaviors in an animal model of depression [39].