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Updated: Mar 26, 2026
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Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
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Genetics of structural connectivity and information processing in the brain.
Sudheer Giddaluru1,2, Thomas Espeseth3,4, Alireza Salami5,6
1Dr. Einar Martens Research Group for Biological Psychiatry, Center for Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021, Bergen, Norway.
Brain Structure & Function
|February 8, 2016
Summary
This study identifies genetic factors influencing white matter (WM) integrity and processing speed. A key finding is a genome-wide significant association on chromosome 17, highlighting genes like ZFPM2 and CSMD1 involved in brain information processing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Understanding genetic influences on brain structural connectivity is crucial in imaging genetics.
- White matter (WM) integrity, measured by fractional anisotropy (FA), is vital for cognitive functions like processing speed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic loci associated with whole-brain WM FA using genome-wide association studies (GWASs).
- To explore shared genetic associations between WM FA and processing speed through multimodal analysis.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of independent GWASs on WM FA from Swedish and Norwegian healthy adults.
- GWASs on processing speed data, integrated with WM FA results using multimodal analysis.
Main Results:
- A genome-wide significant locus (rs145994492) associated with WM FA was identified on chromosome 17.
- Suggestive associations were found for 12 loci, including ZFPM2, and a locus containing SSPO related to processing speed.
- The gene ZFPM2, involved in corticothalamic neuron specification, and CSMD1, implicated in schizophrenia, were highlighted in relation to WM FA and processing speed.
Conclusions:
- Novel genetic insights into WM pathways and processing speed were provided.
- The study highlights the roles of ZFPM2 and CSMD1 in brain information processing.
- Genetic variations influence brain structural connectivity and cognitive functions.
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