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COMT-Polymorphisms Modulated Functional Profile of the Fusiform Face Area Contributes to Face-Specific Recognition
Chao Wu1, Zonglei Zhen2, Lijie Huang3
1School of Nursing, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, 100191, China.
Scientific Reports
|February 9, 2020
Summary
Genetic variations in the COMT gene influence the brain
Area of Science:
- Neurogenetics
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Face-specific recognition ability (FRA) is known to be heritable.
- The underlying neural mechanisms and genetic factors contributing to FRA heritability remain largely unknown.
- Previous research suggests a link between the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene and face perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between COMT gene polymorphisms and neural phenotypes in the fusiform face area (FFA).
- To explore the relationship between these genetic variations, neural activity, and face recognition ability.
- To elucidate the genetic and neural basis of face recognition heritability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized partial least squares (PLS) to analyze the association between 12 genotypes of 4 COMT polymorphisms (rs6269-rs4633-rs4818-rs4680) and multimodal MRI data.
- Examined gray matter volume (GMV), resting-state fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), and face-selective blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) responses (FS) in the FFA.
- Assessed face recognition ability using an old/new face recognition task in 338 Han Chinese adults.
Main Results:
- A significant COMT-variant component (PLS1) was identified, positively associated with face-selective BOLD responses (FS) and negatively with fALFF in the FFA.
- Individuals with the COMT heterozygous-HEA-haplotype exhibited higher PLS1 FFA-MRI scores compared to homozygous HEA haplotype and non-carriers.
- Higher PLS1 FFA-MRI scores correlated positively with enhanced face recognition ability.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence for a genetic influence of COMT polymorphisms on neural function within the FFA.
- An intermediate level of dopamine activity, modulated by COMT genotype, may optimize face recognition ability.
- These findings contribute to understanding the genetic and neural underpinnings of face recognition heritability and FFA functional specificity.
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