Largest GWAS of PTSD (N=20 070) yields genetic overlap with schizophrenia and sex differences in heritability.
Abstract
The Psychiatric Genomics Consortium-Posttraumatic Stress Disorder group (PGC-PTSD)
combined genome-wide case-control molecular genetic data across 11 multiethnic studies
to quantify PTSD heritability, to examine potential shared genetic risk with schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder and to identify risk loci for PTSD.
Examining 20 730 individuals, we report a molecular genetics-based heritability estimate
(h(2)SNP) for European-American females of 29% that is similar to h(2)SNP for schizophrenia
and is substantially higher than h(2)SNP in European-American males (estimate not
distinguishable from zero). We found strong evidence of overlapping genetic risk between
PTSD and schizophrenia along with more modest evidence of overlap with bipolar and
major depressive disorder. No single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) exceeded genome-wide
significance in the transethnic (overall) meta-analysis and we do not replicate previously
reported associations. Still, SNP-level summary statistics made available here afford
the best-available molecular genetic index of PTSD-for both European- and African-American
individuals-and can be used in polygenic risk prediction and genetic correlation studies
of diverse phenotypes. Publication of summary statistics for ∼10 000 African Americans
contributes to the broader goal of increased ancestral diversity in genomic data resources.
In sum, the results demonstrate genetic influences on the development of PTSD, identify
shared genetic risk between PTSD and other psychiatric disorders and highlight the
importance of multiethnic/racial samples. As has been the case with schizophrenia
and other complex genetic disorders, larger sample sizes are needed to identify specific
risk loci.Molecular Psychiatry advance online publication, 25 April 2017; doi:10.1038/mp.2017.77.
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https://hdl.handle.net/10161/14966Published Version (Please cite this version)
10.1038/mp.2017.77Publication Info
Duncan, LE; Ratanatharathorn, A; Aiello, AE; Almli, LM; Amstadter, AB; Ashley-Koch,
AE; ... Koenen, KC (2017). Largest GWAS of PTSD (N=20 070) yields genetic overlap with schizophrenia and sex
differences in heritability. Mol Psychiatry. 10.1038/mp.2017.77. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/14966.This is constructed from limited available data and may be imprecise. To cite this
article, please review & use the official citation provided by the journal.
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Show full item recordScholars@Duke
Allison Elizabeth Ashley-Koch
Professor in Medicine
One of my major research foci is in the genetic basis of psychiatric and neurological
disorders. I am currently involved in studies to dissect the genetic etiology of
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, chiari type I malformations,
essential tremor, and neural tube defects. Additional research foci include genetic
modifiers of sickle cell disease, and genetic contributions to birth outcomes, particularly
among African American women.
Jean Crowell Beckham
Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Interest in assessment and treatment of trauma, particularly as occurs for both women
and men during military service; focus in treatment outcome of differential and collective
contribution for psychopharmacological and behavioral interventions in PTSD populations;
long term physical health effects of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder.
Michael Arthur Hauser
Professor in Medicine
Dr. Hauser has a strong interest in ocular genetics. Genomic studies at the Center
for Human Genetics have identified multiple linkage peaks and susceptibility genes
in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and age related macular degeneration (AMD).
Dr. Hauser has recently accepted a 20% appointment at the Singapore Eye Research INstitute
and the Duke/National University of Singapore. In collaboration with multiple collaborators
in Singapore, and Dr. Rand Allingham at the Duke Eye Cente
Nathan Andrew Kimbrel
Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
My primary areas of interest include the etiology, assessment, and treatment of PTSD,
depression, suicide, and non-suicidal self-injury. I primarily work with veterans,
firefighters, and emergency medical personnel due to their high levels of occupational
exposure to traumatic stress. I also have long-standing interests in genetics, epigenetics,
GxE research, personality, smoking, comorbidity, and statistical modeling procedures,
such as CFA, SEM, and mixture modeling.
Rajendra A. Morey
Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Research in my lab is focused on brain changes associated with posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
We apply several advanced methods for understanding brain function including functional
MRI, structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and genetic effects.
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