Wingo, Aliza P.Almli, Lynn M.Stevens, Jennifer J.Klengel, TorstenUddin, MonicaLi, YujingBustamante, Angela C.Lori, AdrianaKoen, NastassjaStein, Dan J.Smith, Alicia K.Aiello, Allison E.Koenen, Karestan C.Wildman, Derek E.Galea, SandroBradley, BekhBinder, Elisabeth B.Jin, PengGibson, GregRessler, Kerry2016-02-012015Wingo, A. P., L. M. Almli, J. J. Stevens, T. Klengel, M. Uddin, Y. Li, A. C. Bustamante, et al. 2015. “DICER1 and microRNA regulation in post-traumatic stress disorder with comorbid depression.” Nature Communications 6 (1): 10106. doi:10.1038/ncomms10106. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ncomms10106.2041-1723http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:24983917DICER1 is an enzyme that generates mature microRNAs (miRNAs), which regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally in brain and other tissues and is involved in synaptic maturation and plasticity. Here, through genome-wide differential gene expression survey of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with comorbid depression (PTSD&Dep), we find that blood DICER1 expression is significantly reduced in cases versus controls, and replicate this in two independent cohorts. Our follow-up studies find that lower blood DICER1 expression is significantly associated with increased amygdala activation to fearful stimuli, a neural correlate for PTSD. Additionally, a genetic variant in the 3′ un-translated region of DICER1, rs10144436, is significantly associated with DICER1 expression and with PTSD&Dep, and the latter is replicated in an independent cohort. Furthermore, genome-wide differential expression survey of miRNAs in blood in PTSD&Dep reveals miRNAs to be significantly downregulated in cases versus controls. Together, our novel data suggest DICER1 plays a role in molecular mechanisms of PTSD&Dep through the DICER1 and the miRNA regulation pathway.en-USJournal Article2016-02-0110.1038/ncomms10106