Genetic mechanisms underlying brain functional homotopy: a combined transcriptome and resting-state functional MRI...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• Functional homotopy, characterized by synchronized activity between corresponding brain regions, is crucial for brain architecture.
• The genetic underpinnings of functional homotopy remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify genes associated with voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC), a measure of functional homotopy.
• To explore the functional roles and expression patterns of VMHC-related genes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from three independent cohorts (total 1098 subjects).
• Calculated voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) to quantify functional homotopy.
• Performed transcriptome-neuroimaging spatial correlation analysis with the Allen Human Brain Atlas.

Main Results:

• Identified 1,001 genes spatially associated with VMHC.
• VMHC-related genes are enriched in functions like protein kinase activity, ion channel regulation, synaptic function, and neuropsychiatric disorders.
• These genes show specific expression in brain tissue, neurons, immune cells, and across developmental stages, linking to behaviors like vision, execution, and attention.

Conclusions:

• Interhemispheric communication and coordination are influenced by a complex interplay of multiple genes (polygenes).
• These genes possess diverse functional characteristics relevant to brain function and behavior.