Case Study: Emory University uncovers PTSD biological mechanisms with JMP Genomics

Emory University - Customer Case Study

A psychiatrist at Emory University, Dr. Aliza Wingo, and her colleagues were studying the biological mechanisms behind PTSD and comorbid depression, a condition affecting millions but still poorly understood at the molecular level. Their challenge was analyzing complex gene expression data from blood samples, rather than brain tissue, to identify potential biomarkers and pathways linked to trauma-related disorders using JMP Genomics.

Emory University used JMP Genomics alongside R to analyze data from the Grady Trauma Project, applying quality control, normalization, and differential gene expression analysis to the microarray data. With JMP, the team identified DICER1 as a gene of interest: its blood expression was significantly lower in PTSD patients and linked to increased amygdala activity, providing new insight into PTSD biology and supporting follow-up research on molecular mechanisms.

Emory University

Aliza Wingo

MD