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Genetic markers for innate immunity linked to PTSD development

Modules of co-expressed genes associated with the innate immune response and interferon signaling may be linked to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to data published in Molecular Psychiatry.

“By comparing U.S. Marines who develop PTSD symptoms to those who do not, we can measure differences in genes, but also take into consideration the dynamic relationships between and among them, their connectivity,” Michael S. Breen, PhD, of the University of Southampton in England, said in a press release. “Because PTSD is thought to be such a complex disorder, measuring these dynamic relationships is crucial to better understanding the PTSD pathology.”

Dewleen G. Baker

Breen and colleagues collected peripheral blood leukocytes from 188 U.S. Marines pre- and post-deployment to conflict zones.

“What’s interesting is that molecular signatures of innate immunity and interferon signaling were identified both after developing PTSD as well as before developing PTSD,” Dewleen G. Baker, MD, research director at the VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, and professor in the department of psychiatry at UC San Diego, said in the press release.

The researchers conducted a separate dataset of U.S. Marines (n = 96), and found an overexpression of genes involved in hemostasis and wound responsiveness to trauma exposure. These data indicate chronic levels of stress may impair proper wound healing, according to researchers.

Further study is warranted to understand the importance of differences in innate immune factors with regard to stress response and the development of PTSD, they wrote. – by Samantha Costa

Disclosure: Breen reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.