The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism Affects the Vulnerability of the Brain Structural Network
Chang-Hyun Park1, Jungyoon Kim2,3, Eun Namgung2,3
1Department of Psychiatry, Catholic University of Korea College of MedicineSeoul, South Korea.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|August 22, 2017
Summary
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met gene variant impacts white matter network robustness. Met-allele carriers exhibit more vulnerable structural networks, suggesting genetic links to neuroplasticity and brain disorder susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Network Science
Background:
- The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism influences neuroplasticity.
- Previous research focused on local brain structures, neglecting network-level impacts.
- The effect of BDNF Val66Met on white matter structural network configuration remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on white matter structural network properties and robustness.
- To compare network characteristics between Val homozygotes and Met-allele carriers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized graph theory to analyze structural connectivity derived from white matter tractography.
- Compared network properties between Val homozygotes (n=18) and Met-allele carriers (n=55).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in global network measures (global efficiency, local efficiency, modularity) were found between genotype groups.
- Met-allele carriers demonstrated reduced white matter network robustness against targeted node removal compared to Val homozygotes.
- This suggests the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism affects network resilience.
Conclusions:
- The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is associated with differences in white matter structural network robustness.
- Reduced network stability in Met-allele carriers may underlie their increased susceptibility to brain disorders.
- Genetic variations in BDNF influence the structural integrity and resilience of brain networks.
