1
|
Sakkers TR, Mokry M, Civelek M, Erdmann J, Pasterkamp G, Diez Benavente E, den Ruijter HM. Sex differences in the genetic and molecular mechanisms of coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis 2023; 384:117279. [PMID: 37805337 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.117279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in coronary artery disease (CAD) presentation, risk factors and prognosis have been widely studied. Similarly, studies on atherosclerosis have shown prominent sex differences in plaque biology. Our understanding of the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms that drive these differences remains fragmented and largely understudied. Through reviewing genetic and epigenetic studies, we identified more than 40 sex-differential candidate genes (13 within known CAD loci) that may explain, at least in part, sex differences in vascular remodeling, lipid metabolism and endothelial dysfunction. Studies with transcriptomic and single-cell RNA sequencing data from atherosclerotic plaques highlight potential sex differences in smooth muscle cell and endothelial cell biology. Especially, phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells seems to play a crucial role in female atherosclerosis. This matches the known sex differences in atherosclerotic phenotypes, with men being more prone to lipid-rich plaques, while women are more likely to develop fibrous plaques with endothelial dysfunction. To unravel the complex mechanisms that drive sex differences in CAD, increased statistical power and adjustments to study designs and analysis strategies are required. This entails increasing inclusion rates of women, performing well-defined sex-stratified analyses and the integration of multi-omics data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim R Sakkers
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508, GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Michal Mokry
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508, GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Central Diagnostic Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508, GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mete Civelek
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, 1335 Lee St, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 351 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Jeanette Erdmann
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508, GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ernest Diez Benavente
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508, GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hester M den Ruijter
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508, GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marchese S, Huckins LM. Trauma Matters: Integrating Genetic and Environmental Components of PTSD. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2023; 4:2200017. [PMID: 37766803 PMCID: PMC10520418 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202200017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Trauma is ubiquitous, but only a subset of those who experience trauma will develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this review, it is argued that to determine who is at risk of developing PTSD, it is critical to examine the genetic etiology of the disorder and individual trauma profiles of those who are susceptible. First, the state of current PTSD genetic research is described, with a particular focus on studies that present evidence for trauma type specificity, or for differential genetic etiology according to gender or race. Next, approaches that leverage non-traditional phenotyping approaches are reviewed to identify PTSD-associated variants and biology, and the relative advantages and limitations inherent in these studies are reflected on. Finally, it is discussed how trauma might influence the heritability of PTSD, through type, risk factors, genetics, and associations with PTSD symptomology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Marchese
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric GenomicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
| | - Laura M. Huckins
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric GenomicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Present address:
Department of PsychiatryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCT06511USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zerach G, Milevsky A. "Brothers in Arms": Secondary Traumatization and Sibling Relationship Quality Among Siblings of Combat Veterans. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:1985-2010. [PMID: 32627630 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520936364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aversive impact of exposure to combat and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on family members has been examined mainly among veterans' partners and offspring. No study has examined secondary traumatization in veterans' siblings and the role of relationship quality in these links. The present study aimed to assess secondary PTSD symptoms (PTSS) and general distress among siblings of combat veterans, and the role of sibling relationship quality in the association between veterans' exposure to combat and PTSS and sibling secondary PTSS. A sample of 106 adult dyads of Israeli combat veterans and their closest in age siblings responded to self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional study design. The rates of sibling secondary PTSS and general distress were relatively low. However, veterans' exposure to combat and PTSS were positively related to siblings' secondary PTSS. Importantly, veterans' PTSS mediated the association between veterans' exposure to combat and siblings' secondary PTSS, only among sibling dyads with high levels of warmth and low levels of conflict in their relationship. Furthermore, the inclusion of siblings general distress contributed to heightened sibling secondary PTSS, but only the warmth dimension moderated the link between veterans' PTSS and siblings' secondary PTSS. Findings suggest that veterans' PTSS is implicated in their siblings' secondary PTSS. Veterans' PTSS might also serve as a possible mechanism for the links between exposure to combat and siblings' secondary PTSS. Moreover, relationship quality with a sibling veteran might take a toll in the form of siblings' secondary PTSS following veteran military service.
Collapse
|
4
|
Ressler KJ. Translating Across Circuits and Genetics Toward Progress in Fear- and Anxiety-Related Disorders. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2021; 19:247-255. [PMID: 34690590 PMCID: PMC8475910 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.19205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
(Reprinted with permission from Am J Psychiatry 2020; 177:214-222).
Collapse
|
5
|
Schiele MA, Reif A, Lin J, Alpers GW, Andersson E, Andersson G, Arolt V, Bergström J, Carlbring P, Eley TC, Esquivel G, Furmark T, Gerlach AL, Hamm A, Helbig-Lang S, Hudson JL, Lang T, Lester KJ, Lindefors N, Lonsdorf TB, Pauli P, Richter J, Rief W, Roberts S, Rück C, Schruers KRJ, Thiel C, Wittchen HU, Domschke K, Weber H, Lueken U. Therapygenetic effects of 5-HTTLPR on cognitive-behavioral therapy in anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 44:105-120. [PMID: 33483252 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
There is a recurring debate on the role of the serotonin transporter gene linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) in the moderation of response to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in anxiety disorders. Results, however, are still inconclusive. We here aim to perform a meta-analysis on the role of 5-HTTLPR in the moderation of CBT outcome in anxiety disorders. We investigated both categorical (symptom reduction of at least 50%) and dimensional outcomes from baseline to post-treatment and follow-up. Original data were obtained from ten independent samples (including three unpublished samples) with a total of 2,195 patients with primary anxiety disorder. No significant effects of 5-HTTLPR genotype on categorical or dimensional outcomes at post and follow-up were detected. We conclude that current evidence does not support the hypothesis of 5-HTTLPR as a moderator of treatment outcome for CBT in anxiety disorders. Future research should address whether other factors such as long-term changes or epigenetic processes may explain further variance in these complex gene-environment interactions and molecular-genetic pathways that may confer behavioral change following psychotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jiaxi Lin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Georg W Alpers
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Evelyn Andersson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Division of Psychology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Volker Arolt
- Institute of Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jan Bergström
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thalia C Eley
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Esquivel
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands and Mondriaan Mental Health Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tomas Furmark
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexander L Gerlach
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alfons Hamm
- Department of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sylvia Helbig-Lang
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer L Hudson
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Lang
- Christoph-Dornier-Foundation for Clinical Psychology, Bremen, Germany; Department of Psychology and Methods, Jacobs University Bremen, Germany
| | - Kathryn J Lester
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Nils Lindefors
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tina B Lonsdorf
- Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul Pauli
- Department of Psychology (Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy), and Center of Mental Health, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Richter
- Department of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Susanna Roberts
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Rück
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Koen R J Schruers
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands and Mondriaan Mental Health Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Christiane Thiel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Wittchen
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in NeuroModulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heike Weber
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Lueken
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany; Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ward ET, Kostick KM, Lázaro-Muñoz G. Integrating Genomics into Psychiatric Practice: Ethical and Legal Challenges for Clinicians. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2020; 27:53-64. [PMID: 30614887 PMCID: PMC6326091 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric genomics is a rapidly growing field that holds much promise for improving risk prediction, prevention, diagnosis, treatment selection, and understanding of the pathogenesis of patients' symptoms. The field of psychiatry (i.e., professional organizations, mental health clinicians, educational institutions), however, needs to address numerous challenges to promote the responsible translation of genomic technologies and knowledge into psychiatric practice. The goal of this article is to review how clinicians currently encounter and use genomics in the clinic, to summarize the existing literature on how clinicians feel about the use of genomics in psychiatry, and to analyze foreseeable ethical and legal challenges for the responsible integration of genomics into psychiatric care at the structural and clinic levels. Structural challenges are defined as aspects of the larger system of psychiatric practice that constitute potential barriers to the responsible integration of genomics for the purposes of psychiatric care and prevention. These structural challenges exist at a level where professional groups can intervene to set standards and regulate the practice of psychiatry and genomics. Clinic-level challenges are day-to-day issues clinicians face when managing genomic tests in the clinic. We discuss the need for action to mitigate these challenges and maximize the clinical and social utility of psychiatric genomics, including the following: expanding genomics training among mental health clinicians; establishing practice guidelines that consider potential clinical, psychological, and social implications of psychiatric genomics; promoting an integrated care model for managing genomics in psychiatry; emphasizing patient engagement and informed consent when managing genomic testing in psychiatric care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Ward
- From the University of North Carolina School of Medicine (Dr. Ward); Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine (Drs. Kostick and Lázaro-Muñoz)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Anxiety and fear-related disorders are common and disabling, and they significantly increase risk for suicide and other causes of morbidity and mortality. However, there is tremendous potential for translational neuroscience to advance our understanding of these disorders, leading to novel and powerful interventions and even to preventing their initial development. This overview examines the general circuits and processes thought to underlie fear and anxiety, along with the promise of translational research. It then examines some of the data-driven "next-generation" approaches that are needed for discovery and understanding but that do not always fit neatly into established models. From one perspective, these disorders offer among the most tractable problems in psychiatry, with a great deal of accumulated understanding, across species, of neurocircuit, behavioral, and, increasingly, genetic mechanisms, of how dysregulation of fear and threat processes contributes to anxiety-related disorders. One example is the progressively sophisticated understanding of how extinction underlies the exposure therapy component of cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches, which are ubiquitously used across anxiety and fear-related disorders. However, it is also critical to examine gaps in our understanding between reasonably well-replicated examples of successful translation, areas of significant deficits in knowledge, and the role of large-scale data-driven approaches in future progress and discovery. Although a tremendous amount of progress is still needed, translational approaches to understanding, treating, and even preventing anxiety and fear-related disorders offer great opportunities for successfully bridging neuroscience discovery to clinical practice.
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to contextualize findings from the first 25 years of PTSD genetics research, focusing on the most robust findings and interpreting results in light of principles that have emerged from modern genetics studies. RECENT FINDINGS Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) encompassing tens of thousands of participants enabled the first molecular genetic heritability and genetic correlation estimates for PTSD in 2017. In 2018, highly promising loci for PTSD were reported, including variants in and near the CAMKV, KANSL1, and TCF4 genes. Twin studies from 25 years ago established that PTSD is genetically influenced and foreshadowed the molecular genetic findings of today. Discoveries that were impossible with smaller studies have been achieved via collaborative/team-science efforts. Most promisingly, individual genomic loci offer entirely novel clues about PTSD etiology, providing the raw material for transformative discoveries, and the future of PTSD research is bright.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laramie E Duncan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Room 3320, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | | | - Hanyang Shen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Room 3320, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Increased parasympathetic activity and ability to generate positive emotion: The influence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on emotion flexibility. MOTIVATION AND EMOTION 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11031-018-9679-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
10
|
Maron E, Lan CC, Nutt D. Imaging and Genetic Approaches to Inform Biomarkers for Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, and PSTD. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2018; 40:219-292. [PMID: 29796838 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2018_49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in the world and also claim the highest health care cost among various neuropsychiatric disorders. Anxiety disorders have a chronic and recurrent course and cause significantly negative impacts on patients' social, personal, and occupational functioning as well as quality of life. Despite their high prevalence rates, anxiety disorders have often been under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed, and consequently under-treated. Even with the correct diagnosis, anxiety disorders are known to be difficult to treat successfully. In order to implement better strategies in diagnosis, prognosis, treatment decision, and early prevention for anxiety disorders, tremendous efforts have been put into studies using genetic and neuroimaging techniques to advance our understandings of the underlying biological mechanisms. In addition to anxiety disorders including panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), specific phobias, social anxiety disorders (SAD), due to overlapping symptom dimensions, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (which were removed from the anxiety disorder category in DSM-5 to become separate categories) are also included for review of relevant genetic and neuroimaging findings. Although the number of genetic or neuroimaging studies focusing on anxiety disorders is relatively small compare to other psychiatric disorders such as psychotic disorders or mood disorders, various structural abnormalities in the grey or white matter, functional alterations of activity during resting-state or task conditions, molecular changes of neurotransmitter receptors or transporters, and genetic associations have all been reported. With continuing effort, further genetic and neuroimaging research may potentially lead to clinically useful biomarkers for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduard Maron
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Academic Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
- Department of Psychiatry, North Estonia Medical Centre, Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Chen-Chia Lan
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Academic Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - David Nutt
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Academic Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Johnson EC, Border R, Melroy-Greif WE, de Leeuw C, Ehringer MA, Keller MC. No Evidence That Schizophrenia Candidate Genes Are More Associated With Schizophrenia Than Noncandidate Genes. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 82:702-708. [PMID: 28823710 PMCID: PMC5643230 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A recent analysis of 25 historical candidate gene polymorphisms for schizophrenia in the largest genome-wide association study conducted to date suggested that these commonly studied variants were no more associated with the disorder than would be expected by chance. However, the same study identified other variants within those candidate genes that demonstrated genome-wide significant associations with schizophrenia. As such, it is possible that variants within historic schizophrenia candidate genes are associated with schizophrenia at levels above those expected by chance, even if the most-studied specific polymorphisms are not. METHODS The present study used association statistics from the largest schizophrenia genome-wide association study conducted to date as input to a gene set analysis to investigate whether variants within schizophrenia candidate genes are enriched for association with schizophrenia. RESULTS As a group, variants in the most-studied candidate genes were no more associated with schizophrenia than were variants in control sets of noncandidate genes. While a small subset of candidate genes did appear to be significantly associated with schizophrenia, these genes were not particularly noteworthy given the large number of more strongly associated noncandidate genes. CONCLUSIONS The history of schizophrenia research should serve as a cautionary tale to candidate gene investigators examining other phenotypes: our findings indicate that the most investigated candidate gene hypotheses of schizophrenia are not well supported by genome-wide association studies, and it is likely that this will be the case for other complex traits as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma C. Johnson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado at Boulder, USA,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado at Boulder, USA,Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Emma C. Johnson, Institute of Behavioral Genetics, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80303.
| | - Richard Border
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado at Boulder, USA,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado at Boulder, USA
| | | | - Christiaan de Leeuw
- Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research/VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands,Institute for Computing and Information Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen 6525 EC, Netherlands
| | - Marissa A. Ehringer
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado at Boulder, USA,Deparment of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado at Boulder, USA
| | - Matthew C. Keller
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado at Boulder, USA,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado at Boulder, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mehta D, Bruenig D, Carrillo-Roa T, Lawford B, Harvey W, Morris CP, Smith AK, Binder EB, Young RM, Voisey J. Genomewide DNA methylation analysis in combat veterans reveals a novel locus for PTSD. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2017; 136:493-505. [PMID: 28795405 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation may play a key role in the aetiology and serve as biomarkers for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We performed a genomewide analysis to identify genes whose DNA methylation levels are associated with PTSD. METHOD A total of 211 individuals comprising Australian male Vietnam War veterans (n = 96) and males from a general population belonging to the Grady Trauma Project (n = 115) were included. Genomewide DNA methylation was performed from peripheral blood using the Illumina arrays. Data analysis was performed using generalized linear regression models. RESULTS Differential DNA methylation of 17 previously reported PTSD candidate genes was associated with PTSD symptom severity. Genomewide analyses revealed CpG sites spanning BRSK1, LCN8, NFG and DOCK2 genes were associated with PTSD symptom severity. We replicated the findings of DOCK2 in an independent cohort. Pathway analysis revealed that among the associated genes, genes within actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion molecular pathways were enriched. CONCLUSION These data highlight the role of DNA methylation as biomarkers of PTSD. The results support the role of previous candidates and uncover novel genes associated with PTSD, such as DOCK2. This study contributes to our understanding of the biological underpinnings of PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Mehta
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - D Bruenig
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Greenslopes, QLD, Australia
| | - T Carrillo-Roa
- Department of Translational Research, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - B Lawford
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - W Harvey
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Greenslopes, QLD, Australia
| | - C P Morris
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - A K Smith
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - E B Binder
- Department of Translational Research, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - R McD Young
- Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - J Voisey
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
An epigenome-wide DNA methylation study of PTSD and depression in World Trade Center responders. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1158. [PMID: 28654093 PMCID: PMC5537648 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) have been inconsistent. This may be due to small sample sizes, and measurement and tissue differences. The current two EWA analyses of 473 World Trade Center responders are the largest to date for both PTSD and MDD. These analyses investigated DNA methylation patterns and biological pathways influenced by differentially methylated genes associated with each disorder. Methylation was profiled on blood samples using Illumina 450 K Beadchip. Two EWA analyses compared current versus never PTSD, and current versus never MDD, adjusting for cell types and demographic confounders. Pathway and gene set enrichment analyses were performed to understand the complex biological systems of PTSD and MDD. No significant epigenome-wide associations were found for PTSD or MDD at an FDR P<0.05. The majority of genes with differential methylation at a suggestive threshold did not overlap between the two disorders. Pathways significant in PTSD included a regulator of synaptic plasticity, oxytocin signaling, cholinergic synapse and inflammatory disease pathways, while only phosphatidylinositol signaling and cell cycle pathways emerged in MDD. The failure of the current EWA analyses to detect significant epigenome-wide associations is in contrast with disparate findings from previous, smaller EWA and candidate gene studies of PTSD and MDD. Enriched gene sets involved in several biological pathways, including stress response, inflammation and physical health, were identified in PTSD, supporting the view that multiple genes play a role in this complex disorder.
Collapse
|
14
|
Carlson EB, Palmieri PA, Field NP, Dalenberg CJ, Macia KS, Spain DA. Contributions of risk and protective factors to prediction of psychological symptoms after traumatic experiences. Compr Psychiatry 2016; 69:106-15. [PMID: 27423351 PMCID: PMC5381967 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2016.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Traumatic experiences cause considerable suffering and place a burden on society due to lost productivity, increases in suicidality, violence, criminal behavior, and psychological disorder. The impact of traumatic experiences is complicated because many factors affect individuals' responses. By employing several methodological improvements, we sought to identify risk factors that would account for a greater proportion of variance in later disorder than prior studies. METHOD In a sample of 129 traumatically injured hospital patients and family members of injured patients, we studied pre-trauma, time of trauma, and post-trauma psychosocial risk and protective factors hypothesized to influence responses to traumatic experiences and posttraumatic (PT) symptoms (including symptoms of PTSD, depression, negative thinking, and dissociation) two months after trauma. RESULTS The risk factors were all significantly correlated with later PT symptoms, with post-trauma life stress, post-trauma social support, and acute stress symptoms showing the strongest relationships. A hierarchical regression, in which the risk factors were entered in 6 steps based on their occurrence in time, showed the risks accounted for 72% of the variance in later symptoms. Most of the variance in PT symptoms was shared among many risk factors, and pre-trauma and post-trauma risk factors accounted for the most variance. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the risk factors accounted for more variance in later PT symptoms than in previous studies. These risk factors may identify individuals at risk for PT psychological disorders and targets for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eve B Carlson
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Palo Alto Health Care System.
| | - Patrick A Palmieri
- Center for the Treatment and Study of Traumatic Stress, Summa Health System
| | | | | | | | - David A Spain
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bandelow B, Baldwin D, Abelli M, Altamura C, Dell'Osso B, Domschke K, Fineberg NA, Grünblatt E, Jarema M, Maron E, Nutt D, Pini S, Vaghi MM, Wichniak A, Zai G, Riederer P. Biological markers for anxiety disorders, OCD and PTSD - a consensus statement. Part I: Neuroimaging and genetics. World J Biol Psychiatry 2016; 17:321-65. [PMID: 27403679 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2016.1181783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Biomarkers are defined as anatomical, biochemical or physiological traits that are specific to certain disorders or syndromes. The objective of this paper is to summarise the current knowledge of biomarkers for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS Findings in biomarker research were reviewed by a task force of international experts in the field, consisting of members of the World Federation of Societies for Biological Psychiatry Task Force on Biological Markers and of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Anxiety Disorders Research Network. RESULTS The present article (Part I) summarises findings on potential biomarkers in neuroimaging studies, including structural brain morphology, functional magnetic resonance imaging and techniques for measuring metabolic changes, including positron emission tomography and others. Furthermore, this review reports on the clinical and molecular genetic findings of family, twin, linkage, association and genome-wide association studies. Part II of the review focuses on neurochemistry, neurophysiology and neurocognition. CONCLUSIONS Although at present, none of the putative biomarkers is sufficient and specific as a diagnostic tool, an abundance of high-quality research has accumulated that will improve our understanding of the neurobiological causes of anxiety disorders, OCD and PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Borwin Bandelow
- a Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , University of Göttingen , Germany
| | - David Baldwin
- b Faculty of Medicine , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| | - Marianna Abelli
- c Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa , Italy
| | - Carlo Altamura
- d Department of Psychiatry , University of Milan; Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico , Milan , Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- d Department of Psychiatry , University of Milan; Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico , Milan , Italy
| | - Katharina Domschke
- e Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy , University of Wuerzburg , Germany
| | - Naomi A Fineberg
- f Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and University of Hertfordshire , Rosanne House, Parkway , Welwyn Garden City , UK
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- e Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy , University of Wuerzburg , Germany ;,g Neuroscience Center Zurich , University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich , Zürich , Switzerland ;,h Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich , Zürich , Switzerland ;,i Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology , University of Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Marek Jarema
- j Third Department of Psychiatry , Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology , Warszawa , Poland
| | - Eduard Maron
- k North Estonia Medical Centre, Department of Psychiatry , Tallinn , Estonia ;,l Department of Psychiatry , University of Tartu , Estonia ;,m Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Division of Brain Sciences , Imperial College London , UK
| | - David Nutt
- m Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Division of Brain Sciences , Imperial College London , UK
| | - Stefano Pini
- c Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa , Italy
| | - Matilde M Vaghi
- n Department of Psychology and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute , University of Cambridge , UK
| | - Adam Wichniak
- j Third Department of Psychiatry , Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology , Warszawa , Poland
| | - Gwyneth Zai
- n Department of Psychology and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute , University of Cambridge , UK ;,o Neurogenetics Section, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health , Toronto , Canada ;,p Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre , Toronto , Canada ;,q Institute of Medical Science and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - Peter Riederer
- e Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy , University of Wuerzburg , Germany ;,g Neuroscience Center Zurich , University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich , Zürich , Switzerland ;,h Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich , Zürich , Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lebois LAM, Wolff JD, Ressler KJ. Neuroimaging genetic approaches to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Exp Neurol 2016; 284:141-152. [PMID: 27109180 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuroimaging genetic studies that associate genetic and epigenetic variation with neural activity or structure provide an opportunity to link genes to psychiatric disorders, often before psychopathology is discernable in behavior. Here we review neuroimaging genetics studies with participants who have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Results show that genes related to the physiological stress response (e.g., glucocorticoid receptor and activity, neuroendocrine release), learning and memory (e.g., plasticity), mood, and pain perception are tied to neural intermediate phenotypes associated with PTSD. These genes are associated with and sometimes predict neural structure and function in areas involved in attention, executive function, memory, decision-making, emotion regulation, salience of potential threats, and pain perception. Evidence suggests these risk polymorphisms and neural intermediate phenotypes are vulnerabilities toward developing PTSD in the aftermath of trauma, or vulnerabilities toward particular symptoms once PTSD has developed. Work distinguishing between the re-experiencing and dissociative sub-types of PTSD, and examining other PTSD symptom clusters in addition to the re-experiencing and hyperarousal symptoms, will further clarify neurobiological mechanisms and inconsistent findings. Furthermore, an exciting possibility is that genetic associations with PTSD may eventually be understood through differential intermediate phenotypes of neural circuit structure and function, possibly underlying the different symptom clusters seen within PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A M Lebois
- Department of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan D Wolff
- Department of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Careful operationalization and assessment are critical for advancing the study of the neurobiology of resilience. Behav Brain Sci 2016; 38:e107. [PMID: 26786545 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x14001575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The authors' definition of resilience is too narrow and essentially defines resilience as the absence of psychopathology. Consequently, it is not clear how quantitatively defined resilience differs from quantitatively defined psychopathology according to the authors' definition. We believe the conceptual model would be improved by a broader definition of resilience. There is also a significant need for improved measures of stressor load.
Collapse
|
18
|
Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis, Fear Generalization, and Stress. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:24-44. [PMID: 26068726 PMCID: PMC4677119 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The generalization of fear is an adaptive, behavioral, and physiological response to the likelihood of threat in the environment. In contrast, the overgeneralization of fear, a cardinal feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), manifests as inappropriate, uncontrollable expression of fear in neutral and safe environments. Overgeneralization of fear stems from impaired discrimination of safe from aversive environments or discernment of unlikely threats from those that are highly probable. In addition, the time-dependent erosion of episodic details of traumatic memories might contribute to their generalization. Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the overgeneralization of fear will guide development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat PTSD. Here, we conceptualize generalization of fear in terms of resolution of interference between similar memories. We propose a role for a fundamental encoding mechanism, pattern separation, in the dentate gyrus (DG)-CA3 circuit in resolving interference between ambiguous or uncertain threats and in preserving episodic content of remote aversive memories in hippocampal-cortical networks. We invoke cellular-, circuit-, and systems-based mechanisms by which adult-born dentate granule cells (DGCs) modulate pattern separation to influence resolution of interference and maintain precision of remote aversive memories. We discuss evidence for how these mechanisms are affected by stress, a risk factor for PTSD, to increase memory interference and decrease precision. Using this scaffold we ideate strategies to curb overgeneralization of fear in PTSD.
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in 5-10% of the population and is twice as common in women as in men. Although trauma exposure is the precipitating event for PTSD to develop, biological and psychosocial risk factors are increasingly viewed as predictors of symptom onset, severity and chronicity. PTSD affects multiple biological systems, such as brain circuitry and neurochemistry, and cellular, immune, endocrine and metabolic function. Treatment approaches involve a combination of medications and psychotherapy, with psychotherapy overall showing greatest efficacy. Studies of PTSD pathophysiology initially focused on the psychophysiology and neurobiology of stress responses, and the acquisition and the extinction of fear memories. However, increasing emphasis is being placed on identifying factors that explain individual differences in responses to trauma and promotion of resilience, such as genetic and social factors, brain developmental processes, cumulative biological and psychological effects of early childhood and other stressful lifetime events. The field of PTSD is currently challenged by fluctuations in diagnostic criteria, which have implications for epidemiological, biological, genetic and treatment studies. However, the advent of new biological methodologies offers the possibility of large-scale approaches to heterogeneous and genetically complex brain disorders, and provides optimism that individualized approaches to diagnosis and treatment will be discovered.
Collapse
|
20
|
Almli LM, Stevens JS, Smith AK, Kilaru V, Meng Q, Flory J, Abu-Amara D, Hammamieh R, Yang R, Mercer KB, Binder EB, Bradley B, Hamilton S, Jett M, Yehuda R, Marmar CR, Ressler KJ. A genome-wide identified risk variant for PTSD is a methylation quantitative trait locus and confers decreased cortical activation to fearful faces. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2015; 168B:327-36. [PMID: 25988933 PMCID: PMC4844461 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors appear to be highly relevant to predicting differential risk for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a discovery sample, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for PTSD using a small military cohort (Systems Biology PTSD Biomarkers Consortium; SBPBC, N = 147) that was designed as a case-controlled sample of highly exposed, recently returning veterans with and without combat-related PTSD. A genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs717947, at chromosome 4p15 (N = 147, β = 31.34, P = 1.28 × 10(-8) ) was found to associate with the gold-standard diagnostic measure for PTSD (the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale). We conducted replication and follow-up studies in an external sample, a larger urban community cohort (Grady Trauma Project, GTP, N = 2006), to determine the robustness and putative functionality of this risk variant. In the GTP replication sample, SNP rs717947 associated with PTSD diagnosis in females (N = 2006, P = 0.005), but not males. SNP rs717947 was also found to be a methylation quantitative trait locus (meQTL) in the GTP replication sample (N = 157, P = 0.002). Further, the risk allele of rs717947 was associated with decreased medial and dorsolateral cortical activation to fearful faces (N = 53, P < 0.05) in the GTP replication sample. These data identify a genome-wide significant polymorphism conferring risk for PTSD, which was associated with differential epigenetic regulation and with differential cortical responses to fear in a replication sample. These results may provide new insight into understanding genetic and epigenetic regulation of PTSD and intermediate phenotypes that contribute to this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M. Almli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jennifer S. Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Alicia K. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Varun Kilaru
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Qian Meng
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Janine Flory
- Mental Health Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York/Traumatic Stress Studies Division, New York, New York
| | - Duna Abu-Amara
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Veterans Center for Posttraumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, New York, New York
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Maryland
| | - Ruoting Yang
- Advanced Biomedical Computing Center, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research/SAIC-Frederick Inc., Frederick, Maryland
| | - Kristina B. Mercer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Elizabeth B. Binder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia,Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Bekh Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Service Line, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Steven Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Marti Jett
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Maryland
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Mental Health Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York/Traumatic Stress Studies Division, New York, New York
| | - Charles R. Marmar
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Veterans Center for Posttraumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, New York, New York
| | - Kerry J. Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland,Correspondence to: Kerry J. Ressler, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nievergelt CM, Maihofer AX, Mustapic M, Yurgil KA, Schork NJ, Miller MW, Logue MW, Geyer MA, Risbrough VB, O'Connor DT, Baker DG. Genomic predictors of combat stress vulnerability and resilience in U.S. Marines: A genome-wide association study across multiple ancestries implicates PRTFDC1 as a potential PTSD gene. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 51:459-71. [PMID: 25456346 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the etiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has rapidly matured, moving from candidate gene studies to interrogation of the entire human genome in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Here we present the results of a GWAS performed on samples from combat-exposed U.S. Marines and Sailors from the Marine Resiliency Study (MRS) scheduled for deployment to Iraq and/or Afghanistan. The MRS is a large, prospective study with longitudinal follow-up designed to identify risk and resiliency factors for combat-induced stress-related symptoms. Previously implicated PTSD risk loci from the literature and polygenic risk scores across psychiatric disorders were also evaluated in the MRS cohort. METHODS Participants (N=3494) were assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale and diagnosed using the DSM-IV diagnostic criterion. Subjects with partial and/or full PTSD diagnosis were called cases, all other subjects were designated controls, and study-wide maximum CAPS scores were used for longitudinal assessments. Genomic DNA was genotyped on the Illumina HumanOmniExpressExome array. Individual genetic ancestry was determined by supervised cluster analysis for subjects of European, African, Hispanic/Native American, and other descent. To test for association of SNPs with PTSD, logistic regressions were performed within each ancestry group and results were combined in meta-analyses. Measures of childhood and adult trauma were included to test for gene-by-environment (GxE) interactions. Polygenic risk scores from the Psychiatric Genomic Consortium were used for major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BPD), and schizophrenia (SCZ). RESULTS The array produced >800K directly genotyped and >21M imputed markers in 3494 unrelated, trauma-exposed males, of which 940 were diagnosed with partial or full PTSD. The GWAS meta-analysis identified the phosphoribosyl transferase domain containing 1 gene (PRTFDC1) as a genome-wide significant PTSD locus (rs6482463; OR=1.47, SE=0.06, p=2.04×10(-9)), with a similar effect across ancestry groups. Association of PRTFDC1 with PTSD in an independent military cohort showed some evidence for replication. Loci with suggestive evidence of association (n=25 genes, p<5×10(-6)) further implicated genes related to immune response and the ubiquitin system, but these findings remain to be replicated in larger GWASs. A replication analysis of 25 putative PTSD genes from the literature found nominally significant SNPs for the majority of these genes, but associations did not remain significant after correction for multiple comparison. A cross-disorder analysis of polygenic risk scores from GWASs of BPD, MDD, and SCZ found that PTSD diagnosis was associated with risk sores of BPD, but not with MDD or SCZ. CONCLUSIONS This first multi-ethnic/racial GWAS of PTSD highlights the potential to increase power through meta-analyses across ancestry groups. We found evidence for PRTFDC1 as a potential novel PTSD gene, a finding that awaits further replication. Our findings indicate that the genetic architecture of PTSD may be determined by many SNPs with small effects, and overlap with other neuropsychiatric disorders, consistent with current findings from large GWAS of other psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Nievergelt
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA.
| | - Adam X Maihofer
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Maja Mustapic
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kate A Yurgil
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Nicholas J Schork
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mark W Miller
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Logue
- Biomedical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Victoria B Risbrough
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Daniel T O'Connor
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dewleen G Baker
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rothbaum BO, Kearns MC, Reiser E, Davis JS, Kerley KA, Rothbaum AO, Mercer KB, Price M, Houry D, Ressler KJ. Early intervention following trauma may mitigate genetic risk for PTSD in civilians: a pilot prospective emergency department study. J Clin Psychiatry 2014; 75:1380-7. [PMID: 25188543 PMCID: PMC4293026 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.13m08715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Civilian posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and combat PTSD are major public health concerns. Although a number of psychosocial risk factors have been identified related to PTSD risk, there are no accepted, robust biological predictors that identify who will develop PTSD or who will respond to early intervention following trauma. We wished to examine whether genetic risk for PTSD can be mitigated with an early intervention. METHOD 65 emergency department patients recruited in 2009-2010 at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, who met criterion A of DSM-IV PTSD received either 3 sessions of an exposure intervention, beginning in the emergency department shortly after trauma exposure or assessment only. PTSD symptoms were assessed 4 and 12 weeks after trauma exposure. A composite additive risk score was derived from polymorphisms in 10 previously identified genes associated with stress-response (ADCYAP1R1, COMT, CRHR1, DBH, DRD2, FAAH, FKBP5, NPY, NTRK2, and PCLO), and gene x treatment effects were examined. The intervention included 3 sessions of imaginal exposure to the trauma memory and additional exposure homework. The primary outcome measure was the PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version or DSM-IV-based PTSD diagnosis in patients related to genotype and treatment group. RESULTS A gene x intervention x time effect was detected for individual polymorphisms, in particular the PACAP receptor, ADCYAP1R1, as well as with a combined genotype risk score created from independent SNP markers. Subjects who did not receive treatment had higher symptoms than those who received intervention. Furthermore, subjects with the "risk" genotypes who did not receive intervention had higher PTSD symptoms compared to those with the "low-risk" or "resilience" genotypes or those who received intervention. Additionally, PTSD symptoms correlated with level of genetic risk at week 12 (P < .005) in the assessment-only group, but with no relationship in the intervention group, even after controlling for age, sex, race, education, income, and childhood trauma. Using logistic regression, the number of risk alleles was significantly associated with likelihood of PTSD diagnosis at week 12 (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS This pilot prospective study suggests that combined genetic variants may serve to predict those most at risk for developing PTSD following trauma. A psychotherapeutic intervention initiated in the emergency department within hours of the trauma may mitigate this risk. The role of genetic predictors of risk and resilience should be further evaluated in larger, prospective intervention and prevention trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00895518.
Collapse
|
23
|
Progress towards understanding the genetics of posttraumatic stress disorder. J Anxiety Disord 2014; 28:873-83. [PMID: 25445077 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex syndrome that occurs following exposure to a potentially life threatening traumatic event. This review summarises the literature on the genetics of PTSD including gene-environment interactions (GxE), epigenetics and genetics of treatment response. Numerous genes have been shown to be associated with PTSD using candidate gene approaches. Genome-wide association studies have been limited due to the large sample size required to reach statistical power. Studies have shown that GxE interactions are important for PTSD susceptibility. Epigenetics plays an important role in PTSD susceptibility and some of the most promising studies show stress and child abuse trigger epigenetic changes. Much of the molecular genetics of PTSD remains to be elucidated. However, it is clear that identifying genetic markers and environmental triggers has the potential to advance early PTSD diagnosis and therapeutic interventions and ultimately ease the personal and financial burden of this debilitating disorder.
Collapse
|
24
|
Solovieff N, Roberts AL, Ratanatharathorn A, Haloosim M, De Vivo I, King AP, Liberzon I, Aiello A, Uddin M, Wildman DE, Galea S, Smoller JW, Purcell SM, Koenen KC. Genetic association analysis of 300 genes identifies a risk haplotype in SLC18A2 for post-traumatic stress disorder in two independent samples. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:1872-9. [PMID: 24525708 PMCID: PMC4059895 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The genetic architecture of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains poorly understood with the vast majority of genetic association studies reporting on single candidate genes. We conducted a large genetic study in trauma-exposed European-American women (N=2538; 845 PTSD cases, 1693 controls) by testing 3742 SNPs across more than 300 genes and conducting polygenic analyses using results from the Psychiatric Genome-Wide Association Studies Consortium (PGC). We tested the association between each SNP and two measures of PTSD, a severity score and diagnosis. We found a significant association between PTSD (diagnosis) and SNPs (top SNP: rs363276, odds ratio (OR)=1.4, p=2.1E-05) in SLC18A2 (vesicular monoamine transporter 2). A haplotype analysis of 9 SNPs in SLC18A2, including rs363276, identified a risk haplotype (CGGCGGAAG, p=0.0046), and the same risk haplotype was associated with PTSD in an independent cohort of trauma-exposed African-Americans (p=0.049; N=748, men and women). SLC18A2 is involved in transporting monoamines to synaptic vesicles and has been implicated in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders including major depression. Eight genes previously associated with PTSD had SNPs with nominally significant associations (p<0.05). The polygenic analyses suggested that there are SNPs in common between PTSD severity and bipolar disorder. Our data are consistent with a genetic architecture for PTSD that is highly polygenic, influenced by numerous SNPs with weak effects, and may overlap with mood disorders. Genome-wide studies with very large samples sizes are needed to detect these types of effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Solovieff
- Department of Center of Human Genetics Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea L Roberts
- Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Ratanatharathorn
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Haloosim
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Immaculata De Vivo
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, BWH, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anthony P King
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Health Systems, MI, USA
| | - Israel Liberzon
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Health Systems, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Allison Aiello
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Monica Uddin
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Derek E Wildman
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sandro Galea
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jordan W Smoller
- Department of Center of Human Genetics Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shaun M Purcell
- Department of Center of Human Genetics Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karestan C Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|