COMT gene polymorphism and corpus callosum morphometry in preterm born adults

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Preterm birth can lead to neurodevelopmental issues, including corpus callosum (CC) abnormalities.
• The catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism affects cognition and brain structure.
• The association between COMT Val158Met polymorphism and CC morphometry in preterm individuals is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and corpus callosum morphometry in adults born very preterm.

Main Methods:

• Structural MRI scans analyzed in 33 very preterm adults and 29 controls.
• COMT Val158Met polymorphism determined via DNA analysis.
• Mid-sagittal areas of CC subdivisions measured and analyzed using generalized linear models.

Main Results:

• The COMT Val/Val homozygous genotype was significantly associated with reduced total CC size.
• This reduction was observed across the anterior, midposterior, and posterior CC regions.

Conclusions:

• The COMT Val158Met polymorphism may influence corpus callosum morphometry in individuals born very preterm.
• Larger studies are needed to confirm the specific effects of COMT genotypes on the CC in preterm adults.