Paramedical Sciences and Military Health

Introduction: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychological condition that arises from exposure to traumatic experiences, particularly among military personnel. Increasing evidence suggests that genetic variations may influence neural signaling, synaptic plasticity, and stress regulation systems. Understanding the intricate gene networks and their regulatory interactions is crucial for a deeper comprehension of the underlying mechanisms of this disorder. The aim of this study is to identify key biological markers and their associated miRNAs in relation to PTSD.
Materials and Methods: In this study, bioinformatics approaches were utilized to identify biomarkers that are effective in the development of PTSD. The analyses included 3D gene structure modeling, the construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and functional analysis based on biological processes (BP), molecular functions (MF), cellular components (CC), and KEGG pathways. Additionally, miRNAs that specifically target key genes were examined using bioinformatics databases.
Results: The results identified the FKBP5, NR3C1, SLC6A4, and COMT genes as key biomarkers associated with PTSD. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that these genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, which are involved in cognitive and neurological disorders. Additionally, miRNA analysis using the miRNet database indicated that several miRNAs, including hsa-miR-16-5p, hsamiR- 34a-5p, and members of the let-7 family, significantly interact with these genes. These miRNAs may play an essential regulatory role in the occurrence and progression of PTSD.
Conclusion: The investigation of the biomarkers FKBP5, NR3C1, SLC6A4, and COMT in the context of PTSD represents a promising avenue of research with significant potential to enhance our understanding of this complex disorder. The gene networks identified in this study, comprising specific genes associated with PTSD, provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular pathways and regulatory mechanisms involved in the condition. This research elucidates the underlying mechanisms of the disorder, which could facilitate early diagnosis, predict treatment responses, and lead to the development of targeted therapies and personalized medicine.