# Genomic Architecture of Functional Brain Networks in PTSD

> **NIH NIH R01** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $656,590

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Our overarching goal is to investigate the genetic architecture of canonical functional resting-state
networks (RSN) in PTSD. The disruption of several canonical RSNs including the default mode network
(DMN), ventral attention network (VAN), and salience network (SN) are strongly implicated in posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). These RSN alterations are associated with specific symptom clusters of PTSD (e.g.
intrusive re-experiencing symptoms). Canonical RSN connectivity and regional amplitude of BOLD signal,
which are associated with PTSD and its symptom dimensions, constitute highly heritable phenotypes (h2 = 0.4
– 0.6) that exceed the heritability of task-based fMRI and the majority of structural neuroimaging phenotypes. A
genetic vulnerability to developing PTSD following exposure to trauma has long been hypothesized and is now
supported by evidence. Discovery of the genetic factors involved in brain communication and brain connectivity
that contribute to PTSD may prove vital to new treatment breakthroughs. The coupling of brain connectivity
with its genetic architecture, mapping the neurogenetic pathways of PTSD, and new knowledge of neural and
genetic mechanisms will support precision-medicine guided drug discovery for managing mental illnesses that
follow psychological trauma. Our aims are to 1: Investigate differences in the genetic architecture of functional
connectomics associated with PTSD. 2: Investigate the role of PTSD on the relationship between the genetic
architecture of brain structure and functional connectomics. 3: Investigate the effects of PTSD on the link
between gene transcription architecture and functional connectomics. The coupling of cortical functional
connectomics with its genetic architecture and its transcriptional architecture in relation to known disruptions of
functional connectomics in PTSD may offer exciting opportunities to discover targeted therapies. Mapping the
neurogenetic pathways of PTSD to the severity of PTSD symptoms will also be critical to the future design,
development, and selection of yet undiscovered treatments. Knowledge of their unique neural and genetic
mechanisms will be vital to precision-medicine guided drug discovery for managing mental illnesses that may
follow psychological trauma.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10772072
- **Project number:** 5R01MH111671-06
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** MARK W LOGUE
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $656,590
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-06 → 2026-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10772072

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10772072, Genomic Architecture of Functional Brain Networks in PTSD (5R01MH111671-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10772072. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*