학술논문

Epigenome-wide meta-analysis of PTSD across 10 military and civilian cohorts identifies methylation changes in AHRR.
Document Type
article
Source
Nature communications. 11(1)
Subject
INTRuST Clinical Consortium
VA Mid-Atlantic MIRECC Workgroup
PGC PTSD Epigenetics Workgroup
Humans
Wounds and Injuries
Kynurenine
Repressor Proteins
Case-Control Studies
Cohort Studies
Stress Disorders
Post-Traumatic
DNA Methylation
Epigenesis
Genetic
Military Personnel
Female
Male
Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
Epigenome
Stress Disorders
Post-Traumatic
Epigenesis
Genetic
Language
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.