Erika J. Wolf, PhD

Professor, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Biography

Dr. Wolf's research focuses on the use of multivariate data analytic techniques, such as confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, latent class analysis, and item response theory, to evaluate trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and related comorbidity. She is currently studying the genetics of latent psychopathology using both twin and molecular genetic methodologies. In particular, her recent work has focused on the idea that PTSD is associated with accelerated cellular aging, as reflected in DNA methylation and as manifested in physical health and neurocognitive decline.

Publications

  • Published 5/14/2025

    Zhao X, Katrinli S, McCormick BM, Miller MW, Nugent NR, Wani AH, Zannas AS, Aiello AE, Baker DG, Boks MP, Chen CY, Fortier CB, Gelernter J, Geuze E, Koenen KC, Linnstaedt SD, Luykx JJ, Maihofer AX, McLean SA, Milberg WP, Ratanatharathorn A, Ressler KJ, Risbrough VB, Rutten BPF, Smoller JW, Stein MB, Ursano RJ, Vermetten E, Vinkers CH, Ware EB, Wildman DE, Zhao Y, Logue MW, Nievergelt CM, Smith AK, Uddin M, Wolf EJ. PTSD and epigenetic aging: a longitudinal meta-analysis. Psychol Med. 2025 May 14; 55:e142. PMID: 40366073.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 4/24/2025

    Smith AK, Katrinli S, Maihofer AX, Aiello AE, Baker DG, Boks MP, Brick LA, Chen CY, Dalvie S, Fani N, Fortier CB, Gelernter J, Geuze E, Gillespie CF, Hayes JP, Hong S, Kessler RC, King AP, Koen N, Koenen KC, Liberzon I, Linnstaedt SD, McLean SA, Michopoulos V, Milberg WP, Miller MW, Mufford MS, Nugent NR, Orcutt HK, Powers A, Rauch SAM, Ressler KJ, Risbrough VB, Rutten BPF, Smoller JW, Stein DJ, Stein MB, Ursano RJ, Verfaellie MH, Vermetten E, Vinkers CH, Wani AH, WareVinkers EB, Wildman DE, Wolf EJ, Zhao Y, Logue MW, Nievergelt CM, Uddin M, Zannas AS. Cell-type-specific and inflammatory DNA methylation patterns associated with PTSD. Brain Behav Immun. 2025 Apr 24; 128:540-548. PMID: 40286993.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 1/3/2025

    Madison AA, Wallander SE, McCormick BM, Zhao X, Miller MW, Wolf EJ. C-reactive protein as a possible indicator of PTSD prognosis and comorbid anhedonia. Brain Behav Immun. 2025 Mar; 125:178-183. PMID: 39756603.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 12/18/2024

    Katrinli S, Wani AH, Maihofer AX, Ratanatharathorn A, Daskalakis NP, Montalvo-Ortiz J, Núñez-Ríos DL, Zannas AS, Zhao X, Aiello AE, Ashley-Koch AE, Avetyan D, Baker DG, Beckham JC, Boks MP, Brick LA, Bromet E, Champagne FA, Chen CY, Dalvie S, Dennis MF, Fatumo S, Fortier C, Galea S, Garrett ME, Geuze E, Grant G, Hauser MA, Hayes JP, Hemmings SMJ, Huber BR, Jajoo A, Jansen S, Kessler RC, Kimbrel NA, King AP, Kleinman JE, Koen N, Koenen KC, Kuan PF, Liberzon I, Linnstaedt SD, Lori A, Luft BJ, Luykx JJ, Marx CE, McLean SA, Mehta D, Milberg W, Miller MW, Mufford MS, Musanabaganwa C, Mutabaruka J, Mutesa L, Nemeroff CB, Nugent NR, Orcutt HK, Qin XJ, Rauch SAM, Ressler KJ, Risbrough VB, Rutembesa E, Rutten BPF, Seedat S, Stein DJ, Stein MB, Toikumo S, Ursano RJ, Uwineza A, Verfaellie MH, Vermetten E, Vinkers CH, Ware EB, Wildman DE, Wolf EJ, Young RM, Zhao Y, van den Heuvel LL, Uddin M, Nievergelt CM, Smith AK, Logue MW. Epigenome-wide association studies identify novel DNA methylation sites associated with PTSD: a meta-analysis of 23 military and civilian cohorts. Genome Med. 2024 Dec 18; 16(1):147. PMID: 39696436.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 10/17/2024

    Roberts AL, Ratanatharathorn A, Chibnik L, Zhu Y, Jha S, Kang JH, Wolf EJ, Kubzansky LD, Koenen KC. No association of posttraumatic stress disorder with epigenetic aging in women at mid-life: A longitudinal cohort study. Brain Behav Immun. 2025 Jan; 123:672-680. PMID: 39424013.

    Read at: PubMed

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Websites

Education

  • Boston University, PhD
  • Boston University, MA
  • Harvard University, ALB

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