Patho-genetics of posttraumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Clinical genetic studies propose a moderate genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of PTSD with a heritability of about 30-35%. The present brief review will give an overview of molecular genetic research in PTSD yielding support for specific vulnerability genes. Additionally, evidence for gene-environment (GxE) interactions between susceptibility genes of PTSD and traumatic experiences will be reported. Recent studies suggest a pivotal role of epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation in mediating the impact of trauma in the pathogenesis of PTSD. Future approaches to further unravel the genetic underpinnings of PTSD might comprise genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the investigation of the genetic influence on intermediate phenotypes of PTSD (e.g., imaging genetics) as well as pharmaco- and psychotherapy-genetic studies. Genetic research in PTSD will be discussed with respect to its potential benefit regarding innovative and individually tailored therapeutic approaches in PTSD.