Featured Publications
Phenome-wide Association Analysis of Substance Use Disorders in a Deeply Phenotyped Sample
Kember RL, Hartwell EE, Xu H, Rotenberg J, Almasy L, Zhou H, Gelernter J, Kranzler HR. Phenome-wide Association Analysis of Substance Use Disorders in a Deeply Phenotyped Sample. Biological Psychiatry 2022, 93: 536-545. PMID: 36273948, PMCID: PMC9931661, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.08.010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAlcohol DrinkingAlcoholismChild, PreschoolGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansMultifactorial InheritancePhenotypeRisk FactorsSubstance-Related DisordersConceptsSubstance use disordersAlcohol use disorderOpioid use disorderPolygenic risk scoresUse disordersCo-occurring psychiatric disordersComprehensive psychiatric interviewSemi-Structured AssessmentElectronic health recordsControl subjectsLow prevalencePsychiatric interviewRisk scorePsychiatric disordersPhenome-wide association analysisDrug dependenceEuropean individualsHealth recordsLifetime cannabisPhenome-wide association studyDisordersAfrican ancestry individualsDSM diagnosesPopulation sampleGenetic liabilityGenome-wide meta-analysis of alcohol use disorder in East Asians
Zhou H, Kalayasiri R, Sun Y, Nuñez YZ, Deng HW, Chen XD, Justice AC, Kranzler HR, Chang S, Lu L, Shi J, Sanichwankul K, Mutirangura A, Malison RT, Gelernter J. Genome-wide meta-analysis of alcohol use disorder in East Asians. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022, 47: 1791-1797. PMID: 35094024, PMCID: PMC9372033, DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01265-w.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAlcohol DehydrogenaseAlcohol DrinkingAlcoholismAldehyde Dehydrogenase, MitochondrialGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansPolymorphism, Single NucleotideConceptsAlcohol use disorderAlcohol dependenceUse disordersICD-9-CM diagnosisGenome-wide association studiesEast Asian subjectsElectronic health recordsPack yearsLeading causePolygenic risk scoresThai cohortRisk scoreAlcohol consumptionDSM-IVAsian subjectsCohortMillion Veteran Program sampleHealth recordsLarge genome-wide association studiesEast AsiansOngoing recruitmentRisk genesDisordersRisk lociSubjectsBi-ancestral depression GWAS in the Million Veteran Program and meta-analysis in >1.2 million individuals highlight new therapeutic directions
Levey DF, Stein MB, Wendt FR, Pathak GA, Zhou H, Aslan M, Quaden R, Harrington KM, Nuñez YZ, Overstreet C, Radhakrishnan K, Sanacora G, McIntosh AM, Shi J, Shringarpure SS, Concato J, Polimanti R, Gelernter J. Bi-ancestral depression GWAS in the Million Veteran Program and meta-analysis in >1.2 million individuals highlight new therapeutic directions. Nature Neuroscience 2021, 24: 954-963. PMID: 34045744, PMCID: PMC8404304, DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00860-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsDepressive Disorder, MajorFemaleGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansMaleVeteransConceptsTranscriptome-wide association studyMillion Veteran ProgramTranscriptome-wide association study (TWAS) analysisGenomic risk lociComplex psychiatric traitsGenetic architectureRisk lociGene expressionAssociation studiesLikely pathogenicityPsychiatric traitsVeteran ProgramNew therapeutic directionEuropean ancestryNew insightsAncestryUK BiobankAfrican ancestrySubstantial replicationExpressionLarge independent cohortsGWASTherapeutic directionsGenesLociReproducible Genetic Risk Loci for Anxiety: Results From ∼200,000 Participants in the Million Veteran Program
Levey DF, Gelernter J, Polimanti R, Zhou H, Cheng Z, Aslan M, Quaden R, Concato J, Radhakrishnan K, Bryois J, Sullivan PF, Stein M. Reproducible Genetic Risk Loci for Anxiety: Results From ∼200,000 Participants in the Million Veteran Program. American Journal Of Psychiatry 2020, 177: 223-232. PMID: 31906708, PMCID: PMC7869502, DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19030256.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAgedAnxietyAnxiety DisordersFemaleGenetic LociGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansMaleMiddle AgedPhenotypePolymorphism, Single NucleotideVeteransConceptsNovel genome-wide significant associationsGene expressionGenome-wide significant signalsGenome-wide significant associationMillion Veteran ProgramWide association studyGenetic risk lociSignificant genetic correlationsGenetic risk mechanismsGenetic architectureGlobal regulatorChromosome 3Risk lociChromosome 6Chromosome 7Association studiesLargest GWASLarge biobanksGlobal regulationGenetic correlationsContinuous traitsVeteran ProgramGWASsLociPrevious GWASsGenome-wide association study identifies glutamate ionotropic receptor GRIA4 as a risk gene for comorbid nicotine dependence and major depression
Zhou H, Cheng Z, Bass N, Krystal JH, Farrer LA, Kranzler HR, Gelernter J. Genome-wide association study identifies glutamate ionotropic receptor GRIA4 as a risk gene for comorbid nicotine dependence and major depression. Translational Psychiatry 2018, 8: 208. PMID: 30287806, PMCID: PMC6172277, DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0258-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGenome-wide association studiesGenome-wide association study identifiesRisk genesTop risk genesCalcium ion bindingGenomes reference panelFast excitatory synaptic transmissionGenetic risk variantsGenetic basisEnrichment analysisAssociation studiesExome arrayCell adhesionRisk variantsGenesReference panelGenetic riskAMPA-sensitive glutamate receptorsIntronic variantsIon bindingBiological mechanismsConditional analysisGRIA4Excitatory synaptic transmissionSynaptic transmissionGenetic Risk Variants Associated With Comorbid Alcohol Dependence and Major Depression
Zhou H, Polimanti R, Yang BZ, Wang Q, Han S, Sherva R, Nuñez YZ, Zhao H, Farrer LA, Kranzler HR, Gelernter J. Genetic Risk Variants Associated With Comorbid Alcohol Dependence and Major Depression. JAMA Psychiatry 2017, 74: 1234-1241. PMID: 29071344, PMCID: PMC6331050, DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.3275.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAlcoholismBlack or African AmericanComorbidityDepressive Disorder, MajorDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental DisordersFemaleGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenetic VariationHumansMaleMiddle AgedMultifactorial InheritanceOrgan SizePutamenSemaphorin-3AUnited StatesWhite PeopleConceptsGenome-wide association studiesGenetic risk variantsNeuropsychiatric traitsAssociation studiesRisk variantsPolygenic risk allelesPolygenic risk scoresGenetic mechanismsGenetic basisAmerican data setMolecular natureTraitsCriterion countsGenetic causePossible genetic causesMD comorbidityRisk allelesComorbid alcohol dependencePolygenic Scores for Major Depressive Disorder and Risk of Alcohol Dependence
Andersen AM, Pietrzak RH, Kranzler HR, Ma L, Zhou H, Liu X, Kramer J, Kuperman S, Edenberg HJ, Nurnberger JI, Rice JP, Tischfield JA, Goate A, Foroud TM, Meyers JL, Porjesz B, Dick DM, Hesselbrock V, Boerwinkle E, Southwick SM, Krystal JH, Weissman MM, Levinson DF, Potash JB, Gelernter J, Han S. Polygenic Scores for Major Depressive Disorder and Risk of Alcohol Dependence. JAMA Psychiatry 2017, 74: 1153-1160. PMID: 28813562, PMCID: PMC5710224, DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.2269.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAlcoholismComorbidityDepressive Disorder, MajorFemaleGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansMaleMiddle AgedMultifactorial InheritanceUnited StatesWhite PeopleConceptsMDD polygenic risk scoresMajor depressive disorderPolygenic risk scoresAlcohol dependenceDepressive disorderSignificant public health burdenPublic health burdenAD comorbidityNational HealthHealth burdenMAIN OUTCOMECase-control statusRisk scoreRisk of ADVeterans StudyYale-PennGenetic susceptibilityMDD statusCommon genetic factorsSubstance dependenceMDD casesAD samplesPolygenic riskGenetic factorsHeritable disorder
2024
Human genetics and epigenetics of alcohol use disorder
Zhou H, Gelernter J. Human genetics and epigenetics of alcohol use disorder. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2024, 134: e172885. PMID: 39145449, PMCID: PMC11324314, DOI: 10.1172/jci172885.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAlcoholismEpigenesis, GeneticGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansConceptsEpigenome-wide association studiesEWAS studiesPower of GWASTranscriptome-wide associationGenome-wide scanAlcohol use disorderWhole-genome sequencingDrug-gene interactionsSingle-cell sequencingAssociation studiesDownstream analysisHuman geneticsGenetic variantsEpigenetic risk factorsVariant functionEpigenetic changesSpatial transcriptomicsUse disorderEpigeneticsDisease risk predictionGenetic correlationsDiversity of populationGeneticsComplex etiologyEnvironmental factorsGenome-wide association study of the common retinal disorder epiretinal membrane: Significant risk loci in each of three American populations
Gelernter J, Levey D, Galimberti M, Harrington K, Zhou H, Adhikari K, Gupta P, Program V, Gaziano J, Eliott D, Stein M. Genome-wide association study of the common retinal disorder epiretinal membrane: Significant risk loci in each of three American populations. Cell Genomics 2024, 4: 100582. PMID: 38870908, PMCID: PMC11228954, DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100582.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGenome-wide association studiesMillion Veteran ProgramRisk lociAssociation studiesTrans-ancestry meta-analysisSignificant risk lociPathway enrichment analysisEpiretinal membraneTrans-ancestryGenome-wideMultiple traitsGenetic associationEnrichment analysisGene expressionEuropean AmericansLoss of visual acuityVeteran ProgramGenetic correlationsLociBiological mechanismsAmerican populationVisual acuityRetinal conditionsControl individualsRetinal surface
2023
Multi-ancestry study of the genetics of problematic alcohol use in over 1 million individuals
Zhou H, Kember R, Deak J, Xu H, Toikumo S, Yuan K, Lind P, Farajzadeh L, Wang L, Hatoum A, Johnson J, Lee H, Mallard T, Xu J, Johnston K, Johnson E, Nielsen T, Galimberti M, Dao C, Levey D, Overstreet C, Byrne E, Gillespie N, Gordon S, Hickie I, Whitfield J, Xu K, Zhao H, Huckins L, Davis L, Sanchez-Roige S, Madden P, Heath A, Medland S, Martin N, Ge T, Smoller J, Hougaard D, Børglum A, Demontis D, Krystal J, Gaziano J, Edenberg H, Agrawal A, Justice A, Stein M, Kranzler H, Gelernter J. Multi-ancestry study of the genetics of problematic alcohol use in over 1 million individuals. Nature Medicine 2023, 29: 3184-3192. PMID: 38062264, PMCID: PMC10719093, DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02653-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAlcoholismGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansPhenotypePolymorphism, Single NucleotideRacial GroupsMulti-trait genome-wide association analyses leveraging alcohol use disorder findings identify novel loci for smoking behaviors in the Million Veteran Program
Cheng Y, Dao C, Zhou H, Li B, Kember R, Toikumo S, Zhao H, Gelernter J, Kranzler H, Justice A, Xu K. Multi-trait genome-wide association analyses leveraging alcohol use disorder findings identify novel loci for smoking behaviors in the Million Veteran Program. Translational Psychiatry 2023, 13: 148. PMID: 37147289, PMCID: PMC10162964, DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02409-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAlcohol DrinkingAlcoholismGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansPhenotypePolymorphism, Single NucleotideSmokingVeteransConceptsSingle-trait genome-wide association studiesGenome-wide association studiesNovel lociPower of GWASJoint genome-wide association studyGenome-wide significant lociMillion Veteran ProgramGenome-wide associationSubstance use traitsGWAS summary statisticsNovel genetic variantsMulti-trait analysisFunctional annotationUse traitsSignificant lociHeritable traitMultiple lociAssociation studiesColocalization analysisLociPleiotropic effectsMTAgVeteran ProgramGenetic variantsTraits
2022
Genome-wide association study in individuals of European and African ancestry and multi-trait analysis of opioid use disorder identifies 19 independent genome-wide significant risk loci
Deak JD, Zhou H, Galimberti M, Levey DF, Wendt FR, Sanchez-Roige S, Hatoum AS, Johnson EC, Nunez YZ, Demontis D, Børglum AD, Rajagopal VM, Jennings MV, Kember RL, Justice AC, Edenberg HJ, Agrawal A, Polimanti R, Kranzler HR, Gelernter J. Genome-wide association study in individuals of European and African ancestry and multi-trait analysis of opioid use disorder identifies 19 independent genome-wide significant risk loci. Molecular Psychiatry 2022, 27: 3970-3979. PMID: 35879402, PMCID: PMC9718667, DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01709-1.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAlcoholismBlack PeopleFurinGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansOpioid-Related DisordersPhenotypePolymorphism, Single NucleotideWhite PeopleConceptsGenome-wide association studiesGenome-wide significant risk lociAssociation studiesVariant associationsLarge-scale genome-wide association studiesGenetic correlationsSignificant risk lociPsychiatric Genomics ConsortiumMulti-trait analysisPolygenic risk score analysisSingle-variant associationsGWS lociGenetic architectureIndividuals of EuropeanGWS associationsRisk lociGene regionGenomics ConsortiumMillion Veteran ProgramSusceptibility lociAfrican ancestryLociRisk score analysisGenetic informativenessSNPs one
2021
Investigation of convergent and divergent genetic influences underlying schizophrenia and alcohol use disorder
Johnson EC, Kapoor M, Hatoum AS, Zhou H, Polimanti R, Wendt FR, Walters RK, Lai D, Kember RL, Hartz S, Meyers JL, Peterson RE, Ripke S, Bigdeli TB, Fanous AH, Pato CN, Pato MT, Goate AM, Kranzler HR, O'Donovan MC, Walters JTR, Gelernter J, Edenberg HJ, Agrawal A. Investigation of convergent and divergent genetic influences underlying schizophrenia and alcohol use disorder. Psychological Medicine 2021, 53: 1196-1204. PMID: 34231451, PMCID: PMC8738774, DOI: 10.1017/s003329172100266x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAlcoholismGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansPolymorphism, Single NucleotideSchizophreniaConceptsGenome-wide association studiesGenome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphismsLarge-scale genome-wide association studiesSignificant single nucleotide polymorphismsIndependent genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphismsSignificant genetic correlationsGenomic regionsSingle nucleotide polymorphismsGene expressionGenetic covariancePleiotropic associationsAssociation studiesGenetic correlationsGenetic variantsNucleotide polymorphismsGenetic overlapDisorder-specific effectsAlcohol use disorderGenetic influencesGenesUse disorders
2019
Genomewide Gene-by-Sex Interaction Scans Identify ADGRV1 for Sex Differences in Opioid Dependent African Americans
Yang BZ, Zhou H, Cheng Z, Kranzler HR, Gelernter J. Genomewide Gene-by-Sex Interaction Scans Identify ADGRV1 for Sex Differences in Opioid Dependent African Americans. Scientific Reports 2019, 9: 18070. PMID: 31792237, PMCID: PMC6889277, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53560-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAllelesAnalgesics, OpioidBlack or African AmericanBrainCalcium-Binding ProteinsFemaleGene Expression ProfilingGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansMaleMiddle AgedOpioid-Related DisordersPolymorphism, Single NucleotideReceptors, G-Protein-CoupledReceptors, Kainic AcidSex FactorsWhite PeopleConceptsOpioid dependenceOD riskSex-different effectsSex differencesInferior olivary nucleusDSM-IV diagnosisDimorphic riskSubstantia nigraAA menOlivary nucleusFrontal cortexEuropean-American subjectsADGRV1Further studiesRiskAfrican AmericansGenetic variantsDisease enrichment analysisBrainSex interactionNominal significanceMenFirst studyPutamenLungGenome-wide association study of alcohol dependence in male Han Chinese and cross-ethnic polygenic risk score comparison
Sun Y, Chang S, Wang F, Sun H, Ni Z, Yue W, Zhou H, Gelernter J, Malison RT, Kalayasiri R, Wu P, Lu L, Shi J. Genome-wide association study of alcohol dependence in male Han Chinese and cross-ethnic polygenic risk score comparison. Translational Psychiatry 2019, 9: 249. PMID: 31591379, PMCID: PMC6779867, DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0586-3.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAdultAlcohol DehydrogenaseAlcoholismAldehyde Dehydrogenase, MitochondrialAsian PeopleBlack or African AmericanCase-Control StudiesChinaCross-Cultural ComparisonGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansLogistic ModelsMaleMiddle AgedMultifactorial InheritancePolymorphism, Single NucleotideWhite PeopleYoung AdultGenome‐wide scan identifies opioid overdose risk locus close to MCOLN1
Cheng Z, Yang B, Zhou H, Nunez Y, Kranzler HR, Gelernter J. Genome‐wide scan identifies opioid overdose risk locus close to MCOLN1. Addiction Biology 2019, 25: e12811. PMID: 31362332, PMCID: PMC7485539, DOI: 10.1111/adb.12811.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGenome-wide association studiesMucolipin-1Expression profilesGenome-wide significant signalsAssociation studiesPost-GWAS analysisWide association studyDrug repositioning analysisCation channel activityFunctional categoriesConnectivity Map databaseDrug targetsRisk genesGenesChannel activityPatatin-like phospholipaseNetwork analysisPNPLA6Significant signalEuropean AmericansGenetic associations with suicide attempt severity and genetic overlap with major depression
Levey DF, Polimanti R, Cheng Z, Zhou H, Nuñez YZ, Jain S, He F, Sun X, Ursano RJ, Kessler RC, Smoller JW, Stein MB, Kranzler HR, Gelernter J. Genetic associations with suicide attempt severity and genetic overlap with major depression. Translational Psychiatry 2019, 9: 22. PMID: 30655502, PMCID: PMC6336846, DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0340-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGWS associationsGenome-wide significant signalsCircadian clock regulationWide association studyGenetic overlapCatabolism of tyrosineClock regulationFirst GWASSignificant genetic overlapDiscovery GWASChromosome 12Large GWASMolecular mechanismsAssociation studiesChromosome 15Chromosome 18Genetic influencesDiscovery sampleGenetic associationSuicide attempt severityReplication analysisGWASAnaerobic energy productionGenetic risk factorsPolygenic risk scores
2018
GWAS and network analysis of co‐occurring nicotine and alcohol dependence identifies significantly associated alleles and network
Xiang B, Yang B, Zhou H, Kranzler H, Gelernter J. GWAS and network analysis of co‐occurring nicotine and alcohol dependence identifies significantly associated alleles and network. American Journal Of Medical Genetics Part B Neuropsychiatric Genetics 2018, 180: 3-11. PMID: 30488612, PMCID: PMC6918694, DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32692.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAlcoholismAllelesBlack or African AmericanComorbidityEthanolFemaleG(M2) Activator ProteinGene FrequencyGene Regulatory NetworksGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenome-Wide Association StudyHumansMaleMiddle AgedNicotinePolymorphism, Single NucleotideProtein Interaction MapsRisk FactorsTobacco Use DisorderWhite PeopleConceptsGene subnetworksProtein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysisGenome-wide significant variantsInteraction network analysisGene-set analysisFunctional enrichment analysisSignificant SNPsQuantitative lociNerve growth factor pathwayGene enrichmentEnrichment analysisNetwork analysisGenetic traitsGrowth factor pathwaysRisk genesSignificant variantsGenesStudy of AddictionSNPsFactor pathwayGM2AAmphetamine addictionGenetic riskGWASSubnetworksGenome‐wide association study of cognitive flexibility assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test
Zhang H, Zhou H, Lencz T, Farrer LA, Kranzler HR, Gelernter J. Genome‐wide association study of cognitive flexibility assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. American Journal Of Medical Genetics Part B Neuropsychiatric Genetics 2018, 177: 511-519. PMID: 30134085, PMCID: PMC6110090, DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32642.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGenome-wide association studiesSingle nucleotide polymorphismsAssociation studiesGenome-wide significant associationUbiquitin-specific peptidase 9Top single nucleotide polymorphismsComplex trait analysisEnriched gene setsPolygenic risk score analysisCommon single nucleotide polymorphismsGWS associationsSame effect directionGene setsPopulation variationProtein degradationNongenetic factorsTrait analysisChromosome 15Genetic correlationsRisk score analysisNucleotide polymorphismsEffect directionEuropean-American subjectsGenetic factorsBrain developmentGenomewide Association Study of Alcohol Dependence and Related Traits in a Thai Population
Gelernter J, Zhou H, Nuñez YZ, Mutirangura A, Malison RT, Kalayasiri R. Genomewide Association Study of Alcohol Dependence and Related Traits in a Thai Population. Alcohol Clinical And Experimental Research 2018, 42: 861-868. PMID: 29460428, PMCID: PMC5916336, DOI: 10.1111/acer.13614.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGenomewide association studiesAssociation studiesRisk genesAldehyde dehydrogenase 2Prior biological informationAfrican ancestry populationsRelated traitsSame geneBiological informationAlcohol dehydrogenasesSignificant pleiotropyDehydrogenase BGenesFunctional variantsPsychiatric traitsGenomewide significant associationPleiotropy analysisTraitsAncestry populationsFirst genomewide association studyPleiotropyDehydrogenase 2Null variants