DNA variants affecting chromatin structure are key to the genetic architecture of obsessive compulsive disorder

Chromatin remodeling regulates neuronal differentiation, synaptic gene expression, and immune signaling. Disruptions in these processes may alter neurotransmission and immune responses, contributing to OCD symptoms and their fluctuation with stress or infection. Our findings highlight chromatin dysregulation as a shared mechanism across common and rare OCD variants. This supports a gene environment model and suggests chromatin remodeling as a novel therapeutic target. Further epigenomic research is needed to investigate these potential mechanisms.