Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Electroporation of Sliced Human Cortical Organoids for Studies of Gene Function
07:13

Electroporation of Sliced Human Cortical Organoids for Studies of Gene Function

Published on: November 29, 2024

Differences in genetic and environmental influences on the human cerebral cortex associated with development during

Rhoshel K Lenroot1, James E Schmitt, Sarah J Ordaz

  • 1Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9692, USA. lenrootr@mail.nih.gov

Human Brain Mapping
|November 29, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Genetic influences on brain structure change with age. Early developing brain regions show greater genetic effects in childhood, while later developing regions show increasing genetic effects into adolescence.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Genetics
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Cortical thickness is a key neuroimaging marker.
  • Heritability of brain structure can vary across development.
  • Understanding age-related genetic influences is crucial for developmental studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantitatively analyze age-related differences in the heritability of cortical thickness.
  • To investigate how genetic effects on cortical thickness change from childhood to adolescence.
  • To examine regional variations in cortical thickness heritability across development.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized anatomic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Analyzed a large pediatric sample of twins, twin siblings, and singletons (n=600, ages 5-19).
  • Performed regional quantitative analysis of cortical thickness heritability.

Main Results:

  • Early developing sensory and motor cortex regions showed greater genetic effects in childhood.
  • Later developing dorsal prefrontal and temporal lobe regions showed increasing genetic effects with maturation.
  • Regions supporting complex cognition were more heritable in adolescents than children.

Conclusions:

  • Cortical thickness heritability is age- and region-dependent.
  • Genetic influences on brain structure evolve throughout development.
  • Age and specific cortical regions are important considerations when using cortical thickness as a phenotype.

More Related Videos

Social Defeat Stress Model for Adolescent C57BL/6 Male and Female Mice07:15

Social Defeat Stress Model for Adolescent C57BL/6 Male and Female Mice

Published on: March 15, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Biological Influences on Intelligence01:30

Biological Influences on Intelligence

Intelligence is often thought to be linked to brain size, but the relationship is more complex than that. While brain size does correlate modestly with some abilities, like verbal skills, the connection is weaker for others, such as spatial reasoning. Other factors, like brain structure, also play crucial roles. For instance, despite Einstein's smaller-than-average brain, his parietal cortex, which is involved in spatial reasoning, was 15% wider, suggesting that neural density might matter more...
Cognitive Development During Adolescence01:18

Cognitive Development During Adolescence

During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the recognition that people have...
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Gene-Environment Interactions01:20

Gene-Environment Interactions

Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition01:24

Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition

A revisionist approach to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development has brought new insights that challenge and reinterpret his established ideas. Piaget proposed that the formal operational stage, emerging in adolescence, represents the culmination of cognitive maturity. During this stage, individuals are said to develop abstract thinking, engage in systematic problem-solving, and show a form of egocentrism, believing others are as preoccupied with their behavior as they are themselves.
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development01:30

Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development

Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...