Identification and replication of a combined epigenetic and genetic biomarker predicting suicide and suicidal behaviors

Am J Psychiatry. 2014 Dec 1;171(12):1287-96. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.14010008. Epub 2014 Oct 31.

Abstract

Considerable research suggests that suicide involves effects of genes, the environment, and their interaction. Analysis of three independent data sets of post-mortem brains revealed signs of increased methylation in one particular gene, SKA2, a finding that was extended to peripheral blood samples from other cohorts of prospectively followed individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anxiety / genetics
  • Cadaver
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics*
  • DNA Methylation
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / metabolism
  • Living Donors
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroglia / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prefrontal Cortex / metabolism*
  • Saliva / metabolism
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Stress, Psychological / genetics*
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Suicide*
  • Suicide, Attempted

Substances

  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Genetic Markers
  • SKA2 protein, human
  • Hydrocortisone