Novel Proteomic Insights into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder via Multi-Omic Analysis

Recent research employing a comprehensive multi-omic approach has shed light on the molecular underpinnings of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conducted by scientists at Yale School of Medicine, the study analyzed brain tissue from individuals diagnosed with PTSD, major depression (MDD), and neurotypical controls across multiple regions, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex. Their analysis integrated genetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and proteomic data to identify differential expression patterns.

The findings revealed specific proteins and co-expression networks disrupted in PTSD, with integrative analysis highlighting the role of microRNA hsa-mir-589 as an upstream regulator affecting neuronal protein networks, including the GABA transporter SLC32A1. Moreover, the study identified an enrichment of risk genes associated with other psychiatric conditions, such as depression, autism, and bipolar disorder, within PTSD-related protein networks, suggesting shared molecular pathways.

This systems biology approach is pioneering in PTSD research, providing detailed insights into the disease's molecular landscape. The research underscores the significance of immune and neuronal signaling pathways and suggests new avenues for biomarker development and targeted therapies. According to senior author Dr. Matthew Girgenti, these discoveries advance our understanding of brain-specific molecular dysregulation in PTSD and related disorders, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies.

The study’s implications extend beyond PTSD, highlighting common molecular mechanisms across psychiatric illnesses, which could influence future research and treatment approaches. The work was published in Genome Medicine and represents a significant step forward in psychiatric genomics and proteomics, emphasizing the importance of multi-omics in unraveling complex brain disorders.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-multi-omic-approach-implicates-protein.html