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Published on: July 1, 2015
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Human Sensorimotor Beta Event Characteristics and Aperiodic Signal Are Highly Heritable
K Amande M Pauls1,2, Elina Salmela3,4, Olesia Korsun2,5
1Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Helsinki, 00029 Helsinki, Finland amande.pauls@hus.fi.
Summary
The aperiodic brain signal and beta event amplitude are highly heritable, suggesting genetic influences on sensorimotor function. Other beta rhythm characteristics show less heritability, indicating varied genetic underpinnings.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Genetics
- Brain Imaging
Background:
- Brain function and structure are influenced by genetics.
- Resting-state brain rhythms, like the somatomotor beta rhythm, can be measured using magnetoencephalography (MEG).
- Both beta rhythm events and the aperiodic (1/f) signal are altered in neurological conditions and aging, suggesting potential as biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heritability and variability of spontaneous sensorimotor beta rhythm events and aperiodic activity.
- To understand the genetic basis of these neural measures for potential use as biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed spontaneous magnetoencephalography (MEG) data from 210 adult siblings.
- Quantified heritability of the aperiodic (1/f) signal and various parameters of the somatomotor beta rhythm.
- Examined parameters including event amplitude, overall power, peak frequency, and event duration.
Main Results:
- The aperiodic (1/f) signal exhibited the highest heritability (0.87 in the right hemisphere).
- Time-resolved beta event amplitude parameters were also highly heritable.
- Heritability for overall beta power, peak frequency, and event duration was not significant.
Conclusions:
- Human sensorimotor neural activity comprises components with differing heritability.
- The aperiodic signal and beta event amplitude may be influenced by stable anatomical factors.
- Beta event duration might reflect more dynamic neural processes, impacting their utility as disease biomarkers.
