Epigenetic Meta-Analysis Across Three Civilian Cohorts Identifies NRG1 and HGS as Blood-Based Biomarkers for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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 across three civilian cohorts.