Epigenetic meta-analysis across three civilian cohorts identifies NRG1 and HGS as blood-based biomarkers for post-traumatic stress disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Trauma exposure is a necessary, but not deterministic, contributor to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Epigenetic factors may distinguish between trauma-exposed individuals with versus without PTSD.

Materials & methods

We conducted a meta-analysis of PTSD epigenome-wide association studies in trauma-exposed cohorts drawn from civilian contexts. Whole blood-derived DNA methylation levels were analyzed in 545 study participants, drawn from the three civilian cohorts participating in the PTSD working group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium.

Results

Two CpG sites significantly associated with current PTSD in NRG1 (cg23637605) and in HGS (cg19577098).

Conclusion

PTSD is associated with differential methylation, measured in blood, within HGS and NRG1 a

SUBMITTER: Uddin M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6331697 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature