Genetics and Epigenetics of Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors: Systematic Review of the Suicide Literature and Methodological Considerations

Authors

Salahudeen Mirza
Anna R Docherty
Amanda Bakian
Hilary Coon
Jair C Soares
Consuelo Walss-Bass
Gabriel R Fries

Publication Date

10-1-2022

Journal

American Journal of Medical Genetics

Abstract

Suicide is a multifaceted and poorly understood clinical outcome, and there is an urgent need to advance research on its phenomenology and etiology. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that suicidal behavior is heritable, suggesting that genetic and epigenetic information may serve as biomarkers for suicide risk. Here we systematically review the literature on genetic and epigenetic alterations observed in phenotypes across the full range of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB). We included 577 studies focused on genome-wide and epigenome-wide associations, candidate genes (SNP and methylation), noncoding RNAs, and histones. Convergence of specific genes is limited across units of analysis, although pathway-based analyses do indicate nervous system development and function and immunity/inflammation as potential underlying mechanisms of SITB. We provide suggestions for future work on the genetic and epigenetic correlates of SITB with a specific focus on measurement issues.

Keywords

Epigenesis, Genetic, Epigenomics, Humans, Self-Injurious Behavior, Suicidal Ideation, Suicide

Comments

Supplementary Materials

PMID: 35975759