In depression, the intensity of FKBP51 expression was – 13.1% lower throughout both the superficial and deep layers (superficial: t =  – 9.273, P < 0.001, FDR < 0.001, vs. deep: t = – 4.907, P < 0.001, FDR < 0.001,  – 18.30%; Fig. 4e, iii–iv). Here, FKBP5 is linked to depressive symptom measurement.