Transcriptomic organization of the human brain in post-traumatic stress disorder

Nat Neurosci. 2021 Jan;24(1):24-33. doi: 10.1038/s41593-020-00748-7. Epub 2020 Dec 21.

Abstract

Despite extensive study of the neurobiological correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), little is known about its molecular determinants. Here, differential gene expression and network analyses of four prefrontal cortex subregions from postmortem tissue of people with PTSD demonstrate extensive remodeling of the transcriptomic landscape. A highly connected downregulated set of interneuron transcripts is present in the most significant gene network associated with PTSD. Integration of this dataset with genotype data from the largest PTSD genome-wide association study identified the interneuron synaptic gene ELFN1 as conferring significant genetic liability for PTSD. We also identified marked transcriptomic sexual dimorphism that could contribute to higher rates of PTSD in women. Comparison with a matched major depressive disorder cohort revealed significant divergence between the molecular profiles of individuals with PTSD and major depressive disorder despite their high comorbidity. Our analysis provides convergent systems-level evidence of genomic networks within the prefrontal cortex that contribute to the pathophysiology of PTSD in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autopsy
  • Brain Chemistry / genetics*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Humans
  • Interneurons / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / genetics*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / physiopathology*
  • Transcriptome*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Elfn1 protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins