Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
Differential DNA Methylation Is Associated With Hippocampal Abnormalities in Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Judith B M Ensink1, Taylor J Keding2, Peter Henneman3
1Genome Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Academic Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, De Bascule, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Background:
Recent findings in neuroimaging and epigenetics offer important insights into brain structures and biological pathways of altered gene expression associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is unknown to what extent epigenetic mechanisms are associated with PTSD and its neurobiology in youth.
Methods:
In this study, we combined a methylome-wide association study and structural neuroimaging measures in a Dutch cohort of youths with PTSD (8-18 years of age). We aimed to replicate findings in a similar independent U.S. cohort.
Results:
We found significant methylome-wide associations for pediatric PTSD (false discovery rate p < .05) compared with non-PTSD control groups (traumatized and nontraumatized youths). Methylation differences on nine genes were replicated, including genes related to glucocorticoid functioning. In both cohorts, methylation on OLFM3 gene was further associated with anterior hippocampal volume.
Conclusions:
These findings point to molecular pathways involved in inflammation, stress response, and neuroplasticity as potential contributors to neural abnormalities and provide potentially unique biomarkers and treatment targets for pediatric PTSD.
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Epigenetic Regulation

