Featured Publications
Understanding the comorbidity between posttraumatic stress severity and coronary artery disease using genome-wide information and electronic health records
Polimanti R, Wendt FR, Pathak GA, Tylee DS, Tcheandjieu C, Hilliard AT, Levey DF, Adhikari K, Gaziano JM, O’Donnell C, Assimes TL, Stein MB, Gelernter J. Understanding the comorbidity between posttraumatic stress severity and coronary artery disease using genome-wide information and electronic health records. Molecular Psychiatry 2022, 27: 3961-3969. PMID: 35986173, PMCID: PMC10986859, DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01735-z.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCoronary artery diseasePosttraumatic stress disorderElectronic health recordsMillion Veteran ProgramArtery diseaseTotal scoreCAD diagnosisPlatelet amyloid precursor proteinHealth recordsPosttraumatic stress severityAmyloid precursor proteinEarly CAD diagnosisUK BiobankBidirectional relationshipTwo-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysisMendelian randomization analysisCAD riskHigh morbidityPTSD symptom severityCARDIoGRAMplusC4D consortiumPleiotropic mechanismsSymptom severityLongitudinal changesDiscordant effectsStress disorder
2024
Distinguishing vulnerability and resilience to posttraumatic stress disorder evaluating traumatic experiences, genetic risk and electronic health records
Løkhammer S, Koller D, Wendt F, Choi K, He J, Friligkou E, Overstreet C, Gelernter J, Hellard S, Polimanti R. Distinguishing vulnerability and resilience to posttraumatic stress disorder evaluating traumatic experiences, genetic risk and electronic health records. Psychiatry Research 2024, 337: 115950. PMID: 38744179, PMCID: PMC11156529, DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115950.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchElectronic health recordsPosttraumatic stress disorderHealth recordsPTSD vulnerabilityUK Biobank (UKBPhenome-wide association studyRisk scorePhenotype risk scoreUs Research ProgramPolygenic risk scoresStress disorderAoU participantsUKB participantsPresence of posttraumatic stress disorderTrauma burdenGenetic riskPosttraumatic stress disorder symptomsAssociation studiesPheWASClinical comorbiditiesComorbid associationsEye conditionsAOUInverse relationshipMultiple phenotypes
2023
Genome-wide association study of antisocial personality disorder diagnostic criteria provides evidence for shared risk factors across disorders
Li W, Zhou H, Thygesen J, Heydtmann M, Smith I, Degenhardt F, Nöthen M, Morgan M, Kranzler H, Gelernter J, Bass N, McQuillin A. Genome-wide association study of antisocial personality disorder diagnostic criteria provides evidence for shared risk factors across disorders. Psychiatric Genetics 2023, 33: 233-242. PMID: 37756443, PMCID: PMC10635348, DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000352.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAntisocial personality disorderAttention deficit hyperactivity disorderSubstance use disordersPosttraumatic stress disorderGenome-wide association studiesDeficit hyperactivity disorderDisorder diagnostic criteriaRisk factorsFrontal cortexDiagnostic criteriaUse disordersRisk score analysisAnterior cingulateAlcohol-dependent participantsPsychiatric conditionsSignificant associationBrain regionsPersonality disorder diagnostic criteriaStress disorderAnxiety disordersASPD criteriaHyperactivity disorderPolygenic risk score analysisPersonality disorderScore analysisPolysubstance addiction patterns among 7,989 individuals with cocaine use disorder
Stiltner B, Pietrzak R, Tylee D, Nunez Y, Adhikari K, Kranzler H, Gelernter J, Polimanti R. Polysubstance addiction patterns among 7,989 individuals with cocaine use disorder. IScience 2023, 26: 107336. PMID: 37554454, PMCID: PMC10405253, DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107336.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCocaine use disorderUse disordersAddiction patternsMixed bipolar episodesLatent class analysisDSM-5 diagnosisPosttraumatic stress disorderAntisocial personality disorderPsA severityMedication useHigher PSAPSA subgroupsHigher oddsBipolar episodesStress disorderPersonality disorderDisordersSubgroupsAgeSexClass analysisParticipantsComorbiditiesDiseaseDiagnosisTrajectories of alcohol consumption in U.S. military veterans: Results from a 10-year population-based longitudinal study
Na P, Montalvo-Ortiz J, Petrakis I, Krystal J, Polimanti R, Gelernter J, Pietrzak R. Trajectories of alcohol consumption in U.S. military veterans: Results from a 10-year population-based longitudinal study. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2023, 246: 109833. PMID: 36963160, PMCID: PMC10811960, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109833.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAlcohol consumption groupCurrent mental health treatmentDysphoric arousal symptomsMental health treatmentUS veteransAlcohol consumptionHealth treatmentConsumption groupArousal symptomsYounger agePopulation-based longitudinal studyPublic health problemLongitudinal studyExcessive alcohol consumptionAlcohol use disorderPosttraumatic stress disorderU.S. military veteransMedical comorbiditiesChronic courseNational HealthClose monitoringUse disordersHealth problemsVeterans StudyStress disorder
2022
Polygenic scores for empathy associate with posttraumatic stress severity in response to certain traumatic events
Wendt FR, Warrier V, Pathak GA, Koenen KC, Stein MB, Krystal JH, Pietrzak RH, Gelernter J, Goldfarb EV, Baron-Cohen S, Polimanti R. Polygenic scores for empathy associate with posttraumatic stress severity in response to certain traumatic events. Neurobiology Of Stress 2022, 17: 100439. PMID: 35242894, PMCID: PMC8881478, DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100439.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchPosttraumatic stress disorderTraumatic eventsPolygenic scoringGreater emotional sensitivityChildhood neglect/abusePTSD symptom severityCertain traumatic eventsSevere PTSD symptomsPosttraumatic stress severityContext of traumaNeglect/abuseEarly life adversityHigher empathyPTSD symptomsEmotional sensitivityHigh empathizersStress disorderLife eventsEmpathyPotential traumaSymptom severityPolygenic scoresAutismStress severityDepression
2021
Attachment Style Moderates Polygenic Risk for Incident Posttraumatic Stress in U.S. Military Veterans: A 7-Year, Nationally Representative, Prospective Cohort Study
Tamman AJF, Wendt FR, Pathak GA, Krystal JH, Southwick SM, Sippel LM, Gelernter J, Polimanti R, Pietrzak RH. Attachment Style Moderates Polygenic Risk for Incident Posttraumatic Stress in U.S. Military Veterans: A 7-Year, Nationally Representative, Prospective Cohort Study. Biological Psychiatry 2021, 91: 637-646. PMID: 34955171, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.09.025.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPosttraumatic stress disorderAttachment styleU.S. military veteransIncident posttraumatic stress disorderSocial environmental factorsDevelopment of PTSDMilitary veteransInsecure attachment stylesSecure attachment stylePolygenic riskEffect of PRSLifetime trauma burdenPTSD preventionPosttraumatic stressPTSD developmentPTSD symptomsStress disorderPolygenic risk scoresHigh polygenic riskProspective designNationally RepresentativePotential pharmacotherapyMultivariate geneStyleVeteransPsychological trauma and the genetic overlap between posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder
Mundy J, Hübel C, Gelernter J, Levey D, Murray RM, Skelton M, Stein MB, Maihofer A, Nievergelt C, Baker D, Risborough V, Calabrese J, Galea S, Stein D, Koen N, Dalvie S, Aiello A, Roberts A, Koenen K, Solovieff N, Kranzler H, Zhao H, Gelernter J, Farrer L, Johnson E, Rice J, Bierut L, Saccone N, McFarlane A, Forbes D, Silove D, O'Donnell M, Bryant R, van Hooff M, Sponheim S, Disner S, Pietrzak R, Chen C, Smoller J, Stein M, Ursano R, Kessler R, Junglen A, Delahanty D, Amstadter A, Sheerin C, Ruggiero K, McLaughlin K, Peverill M, Caldas-de-Almeida J, Austin S, Gelaye B, Williams M, Sanchez S, Franz C, Panizzon M, Lyons M, Kremen W, Andreassen O, Dale A, Rutten B, Vinkers C, Schijven D, Geuze E, Vermetten E, Luykx J, Boks M, Ashley-Koch A, Beckham J, Garrett M, Hauser M, Dennis M, Kimbrel N, Qin X, Karstoft K, Andersen S, Borglum A, Hougaard D, Bybjerg-Grauholm J, Duncan L, Bµkvad-Hansen M, Nordentoft M, Mors O, Mortensen P, Werge T, Thompson W, Wang Y, Heath A, Nelson E, Martin N, Gordon S, Wolf E, Logue M, Miller M, McGlinchey R, Milberg W, Erbes C, Polusny M, Arbisi P, Peterson A, Williamson D, Young K, Maurer D, Rothbaum A, Zoellner L, Mavissakalian M, Feeny N, Roy-Byrne P, Rothbaum B, Maples-Keller J, Khan A, Wolff J, Lebois L, Teicher M, Kaufman M, Winternitz S, Bolger E, Seligowski A, Orcutt H, Evans A, Lugonja B, Lewis C, Jones I, Bisson J, McLean S, Linnstaedt S, Peters E, Rung A, Trapido E, Brashear M, Lori A, Smith A, Bradley B, Gillespie C, Guffanti G, Ressler K, Almli L, Jovanovic T, Bustamante A, Uddin M, van den Heuvel L, Seedat S, Hemmings S, Uka A, Kulenovic A, Wolf C, Babic D, Avdibegovic E, Deckert J, Domschke K, Jakovljevic M, Marmar C, Flory J, Jett M, Yehuda R, Hammamieh R, King A, Liberzon I, Seng J, Morris C, Mehta D, Voisey J, Lawford B, Young R, McLeay S, Daskalakis N, Norman S, Wang Z, Breen G, Coleman J, Klengel T, Torres K, Choi K, Levey D, Polimanti R, Atkinson E, Martin A, Neale B, Daly M, Ripke S, Ratanatharathorn A, Provost A, Haas M, Stevens J, Morey R, Harnal S, Mortensen P, Seedat S, Sumner J, Vassos E, Breen G, Coleman J. Psychological trauma and the genetic overlap between posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder. Psychological Medicine 2021, 52: 3975-3984. PMID: 34085609, PMCID: PMC8962503, DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721000830.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchRecurrent major depressive disorderMajor depressive disorderPosttraumatic stress disorderSingle-episode major depressive disorderDepressive disorderTrauma exposureStress disorderPsychological trauma exposureLifetime major depressive disorderTrauma sensitivityGenetic loadingUK Biobank participantsKey risk factorsMental health consequencesRisk factorsMillion Veteran ProgramPolygenic risk scoresRisk scoreGenetic overlapHealth consequencesBiobank participantsTraumaDisordersVeteran ProgramPsychiatric Genomics ConsortiumDissecting the heterogeneity of posttraumatic stress disorder: differences in polygenic risk, stress exposures, and course of PTSD subtypes
Campbell-Sills L, Sun X, Choi KW, He F, Ursano RJ, Kessler RC, Levey DF, Smoller JW, Gelernter J, Jain S, Stein MB. Dissecting the heterogeneity of posttraumatic stress disorder: differences in polygenic risk, stress exposures, and course of PTSD subtypes. Psychological Medicine 2021, 52: 3646-3654. PMID: 33947479, PMCID: PMC9772910, DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721000428.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchPosttraumatic stress disorderPersistence of PTSDMajor depressionPTSD subtypesStress disorderCo-occurring major depressionStress exposureMonths postdeploymentCourse of PTSDPolygenic riskProbable posttraumatic stress disorderU.S. Army Brigade Combat TeamHigh polygenic riskConcurrent mental disordersGenetic risk factorsTrauma-related factorsHigh symptom profileLeast comorbidityProspective studyRisk factorsDepressive disorderTreatment responsePolygenic risk scoresRisk scoreComorbidities
2019
Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism, posttraumatic stress disorder, and cognitive function in older U.S. veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
Averill LA, Abdallah CG, Levey DF, Han S, Harpaz‐Rotem I, Kranzler HR, Southwick SM, Krystal JH, Gelernter J, Pietrzak RH. Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism, posttraumatic stress disorder, and cognitive function in older U.S. veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Depression And Anxiety 2019, 36: 834-845. PMID: 31385647, DOI: 10.1002/da.22912.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPosttraumatic stress disorderExecutive functionCognitive functioningStress disorderΕ4 carrier statusΕ4 carriersVeterans StudyCognitive dysfunctionAttention/concentrationGreater cognitive difficultiesLower cognitive functioningOlder U.S. veteransΕ4 allele carrier statusPerseverative errorsCognitive difficultiesReplication sampleCarrier statusCognitive functionImportance of assessingNational HealthCognitive declinePredictive effectApolipoprotein E gene polymorphismE gene polymorphismΕ4 allele carriers
2017
Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism, trauma burden, and posttraumatic stress symptoms in U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
Mota NP, Han S, Harpaz‐Rotem I, Maruff P, Krystal JH, Southwick SM, Gelernter J, Pietrzak RH. Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism, trauma burden, and posttraumatic stress symptoms in U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Depression And Anxiety 2017, 35: 168-177. PMID: 29172227, PMCID: PMC5794529, DOI: 10.1002/da.22698.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsΕ4 allele carriersApolipoprotein E gene polymorphismE gene polymorphismTrauma burdenU.S. military veteransAllele carriersPosttraumatic stress disorderPTSD symptomsNational HealthGreater social supportGene polymorphismsGreater severityMilitary veteransVeterans StudyAPOE ε4 carrier statusSocial supportΕ4 carrier statusAPOE genotypeΕ4 noncarriersPosttraumatic stress symptomsIndependent replication sampleSymptomsPTSD riskStress disorderCarrier status
2016
Genome-wide Association Studies of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in 2 Cohorts of US Army Soldiers
Stein MB, Chen CY, Ursano RJ, Cai T, Gelernter J, Heeringa SG, Jain S, Jensen KP, Maihofer AX, Mitchell C, Nievergelt CM, Nock MK, Neale BM, Polimanti R, Ripke S, Sun X, Thomas ML, Wang Q, Ware EB, Borja S, Kessler RC, Smoller JW. Genome-wide Association Studies of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in 2 Cohorts of US Army Soldiers. JAMA Psychiatry 2016, 73: 695-704. PMID: 27167565, PMCID: PMC4936936, DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.0350.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultCarrier ProteinsCase-Control StudiesChromosomes, Human, Pair 19Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5Cohort StudiesFemaleGenetic LociGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansMaleMilitary PersonnelPolymorphism, Single NucleotideStress Disorders, Post-TraumaticYoung AdultConceptsPosttraumatic stress disorderTrauma-exposed controlsNew Soldier StudyRheumatoid arthritisStress disorderLifetime posttraumatic stress disorderSerious public health concernUnique participantsImmune-related disordersCumulative trauma exposureGenetic risk factorsPublic health concernLogistic regression modelsUS Army soldiersGenome-wide association studiesInflammatory disordersLifetime riskRisk factorsMAIN OUTCOMEPrimary analysisPost Deployment StudyAssociation studiesControl individualsMental disordersSignificant association
2013
Association of CRHR1 variants and posttraumatic stress symptoms in hurricane exposed adults
White S, Acierno R, Ruggiero KJ, Koenen KC, Kilpatrick DG, Galea S, Gelernter J, Williamson V, McMichael O, Vladimirov VI, Amstadter AB. Association of CRHR1 variants and posttraumatic stress symptoms in hurricane exposed adults. Journal Of Anxiety Disorders 2013, 27: 678-683. PMID: 24077033, PMCID: PMC4182958, DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.08.003.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPosttraumatic stress disorderPTSD symptomsHormone receptor 1 geneCorticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) geneSingle nucleotide polymorphismsReceptor 1 geneCRHR1 variationEtiology of PTSDHPA axisAdrenal axisCRHR1 variantsPosttraumatic stress symptomsStress disorderAnxiety disordersFinal analysisSymptomsHeritable anxiety disordersEuropean-American subsampleAdultsStress symptomsCRHR1Genetic variantsMultiple testingDiagnosisDisorders
2010
Interaction of FKBP5 with Childhood Adversity on Risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Xie P, Kranzler HR, Poling J, Stein MB, Anton RF, Farrer LA, Gelernter J. Interaction of FKBP5 with Childhood Adversity on Risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2010, 35: 1684-1692. PMID: 20393453, PMCID: PMC2946626, DOI: 10.1038/npp.2010.37.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsChildhood adverse experiencesChildhood adversitySingle nucleotide polymorphismsFKBP5 polymorphismsAdverse experiencesAfrican AmericansPost-traumatic stress disorder symptomsChildhood adversity exposureLogistic regression analysisChildhood abusePost-traumatic stress disorderRisk of PTSDCortisol-binding affinityDepressive episodeLifetime PTSDFKBP5 genotypeHigh riskTT genotypeLower riskRecurrence riskGlucocorticoid receptorAlcohol dependenceFKBP5 locusStress disorderFKBP5
2009
Association Between COMT, PTSD, and Increased Smoking Following Hurricane Exposure in an Epidemiologic Sample
Amstadter AB, Nugent NR, Koenen KC, Ruggiero KJ, Acierno R, Galea S, Kilpatrick DG, Gelernter J. Association Between COMT, PTSD, and Increased Smoking Following Hurricane Exposure in an Epidemiologic Sample. Psychiatry 2009, 72: 360-369. PMID: 20070134, PMCID: PMC2808117, DOI: 10.1521/psyc.2009.72.4.360.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPosttraumatic stress disorderCigarette smokingCOMT Val158MetFrequency of smokingSaliva DNA samplesFirst genetic association studyFlorida Hurricane StudyAge of initiationCOMT Val158Met polymorphismTobacco smokingSmokingEpidemiologic samplePossible associationAcute stressorStress disorderVal158Met polymorphismHurricane exposureTraumatic eventsGenetic association studiesVal158MetAssociationEuropean American malesDNA samplesAssociation studiesInitiationInteractive Effect of Stressful Life Events and the Serotonin Transporter 5-HTTLPR Genotype on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis in 2 Independent Populations
Xie P, Kranzler HR, Poling J, Stein MB, Anton RF, Brady K, Weiss RD, Farrer L, Gelernter J. Interactive Effect of Stressful Life Events and the Serotonin Transporter 5-HTTLPR Genotype on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis in 2 Independent Populations. JAMA Psychiatry 2009, 66: 1201-1209. PMID: 19884608, PMCID: PMC2867334, DOI: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2009.153.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAgedBlack or African AmericanChildChild AbuseCross-Sectional StudiesDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental DisordersFemaleGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenotypeHomozygoteHumansLife Change EventsMaleMiddle AgedPolymorphism, GeneticPsychiatric Status Rating ScalesRisk FactorsSerotonin Plasma Membrane Transport ProteinsSocial EnvironmentStress Disorders, Post-TraumaticSubstance-Related DisordersWhite PeopleConceptsAdult traumatic eventsPosttraumatic stress disorderLifetime posttraumatic stress disorderChildhood adversityStressful life eventsTraumatic eventsDSM-IV diagnostic criteriaOnset of PTSDCross-sectional studyStress disorder diagnosisPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosisLogistic regression modelingLife eventsSemi-Structured AssessmentEtiology of PTSDAdverse eventsAfrican American individualsDepressive symptomsDiagnostic criteriaSerotonin transporter geneDrug dependenceTrauma exposureStress disorderGene x environment interactionsSubstance dependence
2007
The Serotonin Transporter Genotype and Social Support and Moderation of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression in Hurricane-Exposed Adults
Kilpatrick DG, Koenen KC, Ruggiero KJ, Acierno R, Galea S, Resnick HS, Roitzsch J, Boyle J, Gelernter J. The Serotonin Transporter Genotype and Social Support and Moderation of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression in Hurricane-Exposed Adults. American Journal Of Psychiatry 2007, 164: 1693-1699. PMID: 17974934, DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2007.06122007.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultDepressive Disorder, MajorDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental DisordersDisastersFemaleFloridaGenetic VariationGenotypeHumansLife Change EventsLogistic ModelsMaleMiddle AgedPolymorphism, GeneticPsychiatric Status Rating ScalesRisk FactorsSerotonin Plasma Membrane Transport ProteinsSocial SupportStress Disorders, Post-TraumaticConceptsHigh hurricane exposurePosttraumatic stress disorderLow social supportMajor depressionLow-expression variantPostdisaster posttraumatic stress disorderSocial supportStress disorderHurricane exposureHigh-risk individualsDSM-IV diagnosisLow-risk individualsAdults ages 18Household probability sampleSubset of participantsOutcome measuresAdults 6Serotonin transporter genotypeSerotonin transporter geneAge 18DepressionDisaster exposureTransporter genotypeRiskStructured interviews
2006
Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene variants and Alzheimer's disease, affective disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and substance dependence
Zhang H, Ozbay F, Lappalainen J, Kranzler HR, van Dyck CH, Charney DS, Price LH, Southwick S, Yang B, Rasmussen A, Gelernter J. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene variants and Alzheimer's disease, affective disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and substance dependence. American Journal Of Medical Genetics Part B Neuropsychiatric Genetics 2006, 141B: 387-393. PMID: 16649215, PMCID: PMC2567822, DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30332.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAgedAlzheimer DiseaseBrain-Derived Neurotrophic FactorChromatography, High Pressure LiquidDNA Mutational AnalysisFemaleGene FrequencyGenotypeHaplotypesHumansLinkage DisequilibriumLogistic ModelsMaleMiddle AgedMood DisordersPolymorphism, Single NucleotideSchizophreniaStress Disorders, Post-TraumaticSubstance-Related DisordersConceptsPosttraumatic stress disorderAffective disordersAlzheimer's diseaseSubstance dependenceGene variantsStress disorderBDNF gene variantsNormal control subjectsLogistic regression analysisAge of subjectsBDNF variantsNeurotrophic factorControl subjectsBDNF geneBDNF SNPsG genotypeEuropean-American subjectsG alleleDrug dependenceNeuropsychiatric disordersModest associationSchizophreniaDiseaseNovel gene variantsDisorders