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Epigenome-wide meta-analysis of PTSD across 10 military and civilian cohorts identifies methylation changes in AHRR
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Epigenome-wide meta-analysis of PTSD across 10 military and civilian cohorts identifies methylation changes in AHRR

Alicia K Smith, Andrew Ratanatharathorn, Adam X Maihofer, Robert K Naviaux, Allison E Aiello, Ananda B Amstadter, Allison E Ashley-Koch, Dewleen G Baker, Jean C Beckham, Marco P Boks, …
Nature communications, Vol.11(1), pp.5965-5965
11/24/2020
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19615-x
PMCID: PMC7686485
PMID: 33235198
url
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19615-xView
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Epigenetic differences may help to distinguish between PTSD cases and trauma-exposed controls. Here, we describe the results of the largest DNA methylation meta-analysis of PTSD to date. Ten cohorts, military and civilian, contribute blood-derived DNA methylation data from 1,896 PTSD cases and trauma-exposed controls. Four CpG sites within the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) associate with PTSD after adjustment for multiple comparisons, with lower DNA methylation in PTSD cases relative to controls. Although AHRR methylation is known to associate with smoking, the AHRR association with PTSD is most pronounced in non-smokers, suggesting the result was independent of smoking status. Evaluation of metabolomics data reveals that AHRR methylation associated with kynurenine levels, which are lower among subjects with PTSD. This study supports epigenetic differences in those with PTSD and suggests a role for decreased kynurenine as a contributor to immune dysregulation in PTSD.
Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors - genetics Military Personnel Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - metabolism Epigenesis, Genetic Humans Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors - blood Repressor Proteins - blood Repressor Proteins - genetics Male Case-Control Studies Wounds and Injuries - metabolism DNA Methylation Wounds and Injuries - genetics Female Kynurenine - metabolism Epigenome Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - genetics Cohort Studies

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