Suicide in your DNA? Duke study finds link to these 4 genes

For those who suffer from suicidal thoughts, their state of mind isn’t the only factor in play.

A new study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association has revealed a genetic link to suicidal ideations and behaviors — shedding light on new pathways to treat the deadly condition.

Researchers from Duke University, co-lead by associate professors Dr. Nathan Kimbrel and Allison Ashley-Koch, identified four genes associated with these people: ESR1, DRD2, DCC and TRAF3.

Suicide is the second leading killer of American men under 45, and the 12th leading cause of death among Americans overall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Though suicide rates had previously been in decline, the pandemic, economic hardships and civil unrest recently have weighed heavily on the minds of Americans — and rates are back on the rise as of 2021, the CDC also reported.

In search of a genetic basis for these statistics, Duke scientists set their sights on blood samples from a database of more than 630,000 US military veterans. The profile of participants was predominantly men of European descent (71.4%), followed by African American (19.1%), while those with Hispanic and Asian ancestry were least represented (8.1% and 1.3%). Women were also rare (9%).

Blood samples were sequenced to reveal and compare each individual’s genetic code, then cross-referenced with participants’ medical records to locate cases of suicidal ideations or attempts.

More than 20% of participants had reported suicidal histories.

These are the four genes that stuck out to Duke researchers:

• ESR1 is a hormone receptor for estrogen and previously known to be associated with mental health diagnoses such as PTSD and depression.
• DRD2 is a receptor for dopamine, a chemical connected to feelings of pleasure and happiness, but also seen in patients with schizophrenia, mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and substance abuse.
• DCC, a building block of the brain, has also been found at elevated levels in people who die by suicide, and implicated in some nervous system disorders.
• TRAF3 is an important receptor for the activation of the immune response, though also thought to be connected to antisocial behavior, substance use and ADHD.

“While genes account for small amount of risk relative to other factors, we need to better understand the biological pathways that underly a person’s risk for engaging in suicidal behavior,” said Kimbrel in a statement.

Kimbrel’s team was sure to note that while these genes may increase the risks of one’s suicidal thoughts and behavior, they do not “predestine anyone to [those] problems.”

“The more we know, the better we can prevent these tragic deaths,” he concluded.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.