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Genetic Influences on the Developing Young Brain and Risk for Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Ann M Alex1, Claudia Buss2, Elysia Poggi Davis3
1Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
Biological Psychiatry
|March 17, 2023
Summary
This review explores imaging genetics in early childhood, linking genetic variants to brain development and neuropsychiatric risks. It highlights the need for more research in this critical developmental window.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The field of imaging genetics has historically concentrated on adult and adolescent populations.
- There is a significant knowledge gap regarding imaging genetics during infancy and early childhood (birth to 6 years).
- Early brain development is influenced by gene expression, impacting risk for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes findings from imaging genetics studies in infants and young children.
- The focus is on research examining genetic contributions to neuropsychiatric disorders during early development.
- Introduction of the Organization for Imaging Genomics in Infancy (ORIGINs) working group within the ENIGMA consortium.
Key Points:
- Early childhood brain development is a critical period for gene-environment interactions.
- Understanding genetic influences in infancy is crucial for predicting later neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Large-scale collaborative efforts like ORIGINs are essential for advancing infant imaging genetics.
Conclusions:
- There is a pressing need to expand imaging genetics research into infancy and early childhood.
- This research area holds significant potential for understanding the genetic basis of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions.
- The ORIGINs initiative aims to foster large-scale studies to address this gap.
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