Genomics research on PTSD and related traits in veterans
Official title: Genomics of PTSD and Related Traits
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-11264760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A broad genetic study using data from veterans to better understand PTSD and how it relates to other traits and health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006482-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11264760 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans and other individuals in the MVP cohort who have or are at risk for PTSD or related traits.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without PTSD or related traits in the MVP who are not part of this analyses scope may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project analyzes genetic data from the VA Million Veteran Program to uncover how PTSD and related traits arise and interact with other health issues. It plans to look at epigenetics, whole genome sequencing, and various types of genetic variation, plus post-GWAS analyses. The work aims to expand knowledge about how PTSD connects to cardiovascular disease, resilience, and sex-specific differences. The study builds on prior findings and involves a multidisciplinary team at VA Connecticut Health Care System.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to better prediction, prevention, and personalized approaches for PTSD and related health risks.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier PTSD genetic studies have yielded important insights and this project extends that work with larger data and deeper analyses.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gelernter, Joel — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Gelernter, Joel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how PTSD affects self-control and brain function
Researchers are studying how PTSD changes the brain’s control over thoughts and actions, and how this might affect Veterans’ daily lives and responses to treatment.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
A study testing whether ketamine can help people with PTSD better relearn and forget fear when given in a guided treatment plan.
-
Treating PTSD and opioid use disorder in residential care with Written Exposure Therapy (WEST)
A short, patient-friendly plan to adapt a proven PTSD therapy for people with opioid use disorder in residential treatment and test its practicality and impact.
-
Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging WTC Responders
This project follows World Trade Center responders as they age to understand how PTSD symptoms relate to changes in thinking skills over time.
-
Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.