Understanding PTSD risk genes by combining multiple biological data types
Official title: Integration of multi-omic data and biological validation for gene prioritization in PTSD risk loci
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11310721 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study how genetic differences and related biological signals relate to PTSD risk, using human data and lab models to connect genes to brain biology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX006536-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11310721 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with PTSD or those at high risk who contribute data or samples to large biobanks and genomic studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not aligned with the PTSD research population or those not contributing data/samples to the study may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project aims to connect genetic risk for PTSD to real biological processes by combining genome, epigenome, transcriptome, and phenome data from large human datasets. The team will use human iPSC-derived neuron models and cellular systems to explore how risk loci influence cellular functions relevant to PTSD. By integrating these diverse data types, they hope to identify concrete biological pathways that mediate genetic risk. The work will rely on resources from the Million Veteran Program and robust computational analyses to bridge the gap between DNA variation and PTSD symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal target pathways for new PTSD treatments or prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked PTSD genetics to brain biology, with integrative approaches showing promise in identifying mediating mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maihofer, Adam Xavier — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Maihofer, Adam Xavier
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.