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Evaluating the associations between intelligence quotient and multi-tissue proteome from the brain, CSF and plasma
Sirong Shi1, Yujing Chen1, Xiaoge Chu1
1NHC Key Laboratory of Environment and Endemic Diseases, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
Brain Communications
|July 4, 2024
Summary
This study links specific brain, CSF, and plasma proteins to intelligence quotient (IQ) traits. Macrophage-stimulating protein shows a causal effect on fluid intelligence, offering new insights into IQ
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intelligence quotient (IQ) is crucial for cognitive abilities but its biological underpinnings, particularly protein associations, are underexplored.
- Previous research has limited exploration into the connections between IQ traits and proteins in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and plasma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between intelligence quotient traits and protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) in brain, CSF, and plasma.
- To identify specific proteins that are functionally relevant to intelligence quotient traits and explore potential causal relationships.
Main Methods:
- Utilized UK Biobank genotypic data to calculate polygenic risk scores for proteins based on pQTL data.
- Employed Pearson correlation analysis to assess relationships between IQ traits (fluid intelligence score, maximum digits remembered correctly) and protein polygenic risk scores.
- Conducted Mendelian randomization analysis to determine causal effects of identified proteins on fluid intelligence.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between macrophage-stimulating protein and fluid intelligence in brain and CSF tissues.
- B-cell lymphoma 6 protein showed a significant association with fluid intelligence in CSF.
- Mendelian randomization confirmed causal effects of macrophage-stimulating protein on fluid intelligence score in both brain and CSF.
Conclusions:
- Specific tissue proteins, notably macrophage-stimulating protein, are functionally relevant to intelligence quotient traits.
- The study provides novel insights into the relationship between tissue proteins and cognitive abilities like fluid intelligence.
- Identified macrophage-stimulating protein as a key candidate protein linked to intelligence quotient.
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