A genome-wide association study of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation in U.S. military veterans.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Death by suicide and suicidal behavior are major concerns among U.S. military veterans; however, no genome-wide association studies (GWAS) studies of suicidal behavior have been conducted among U.S. military veterans to date, despite the elevated rate of suicidal behavior observed within this population. Accordingly, the primary objective of the present research was to conduct the first GWAS of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation in a large and well-characterized sample of U.S. military veterans. The gene most significantly associated (p = 9.28 × 10-7) with suicide attempts was the Potassium Calcium-Activated Channel Subfamily M Regulatory Beta Subunit 2 (KCNMB2) gene, which plays a key role in neuronal excitability. In addition, replication analyses provided additional support for the potential role of the ABI Family Member 3 Binding Protein (ABI3BP) gene in the pathogenesis of suicidal behavior, as numerous nominal associations were found between this gene and both suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. Additional work aimed at replicating and extending these findings is needed.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Kimbrel, NA; Garrett, ME; Dennis, MF; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center Workgroup, ; Hauser, MA; Ashley-Koch, AE; Beckham, JC

Published Date

  • November 2018

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 269 /

Start / End Page

  • 64 - 69

PubMed ID

  • 30145303

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC6207450

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1872-7123

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.07.017

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • Ireland