Genetic Markers of PTSD Linked to Immune System Response

       A new study has developed to help identify who could possibly be affected by PTSD. Post - traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can present itself after experiencing an event or situation that triggers the mental health condition. It most commonly affects individuals who have been in military combat, accidents, or human disasters. The result of PTSD may cause individuals to develop sleep problems, recurrent stressful memories, severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Scientist are using blood samples from US Marines and have identified genetic markers associated with PTSD that are also linked to immune system response. Successful results could lead to treatments and prevention for the condition while providing predictions for who is most at risk.

       Scientist in the past have done studies using gene expressions from individuals with and without the disorder. The most recent research has been using transciptome RNA sequencing on blood samples. Senior author Michael S. Breen states, "By comparing US 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". PTSD is a very complex disorder that if measured properly could be crucial to understanding the pathology of it.

       Blood samples were used from 188 US Marines before and after deployment. Using whole transcriptome RNA sequencing to analyze the blood samples, the team identified groups of genes that regulate the innate immune system and interferon signaling that were also linked to PTSD (MNT). The interesting part is that the innate immune response and interferon signaling were identified in the group before and the group after deployment. The research was replicated to ensure accuracy which lead to questions to why interferon signaling is occurring prior to deployment. In my opinion, the anxiety of knowing you are being deployed could lead to the response prior to the experience. I hope the study continues to concern scientist and researchers. I know many people personally that are affected by PTSD and the disorder is serious and should not go unnoticed. 

Genetic Markers of PTSD Linked to Immune System Response
RNA Sequencing