Neurogenetics of Brain Connectivity: Current Approaches to the Study (Review)

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Genetics

Background:

• Neuroimaging advances have identified functional brain networks linked to specific functions and inactivity.
• Significant data exists on altered brain connectivity in psychopathologies like depression, schizophrenia, and autism.
• Genetic markers for these disorders are actively researched via candidate-gene and genome-wide association studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review research on molecular and genetic associations with functional, anatomical, and effective brain connectivity.
• To highlight connectivity as a potential endophenotype in the genotype-pathology chain due to its stability and heritability.
• To describe approaches in evaluating connectivity neurogenetics and identify specific genetic variants linked to brain connectivity in psychiatric disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on neuroimaging, genetics, and psychiatric disorders.
• Analysis of studies investigating functional, anatomical, and effective connectivity.
• Examination of candidate-gene and genome-wide association studies related to brain connectivity.

Main Results:

• Brain connectivity is a stable and highly heritable trait, making it a reliable endophenotype.
• Specific genetic variants associated with altered brain connectivity in psychiatric pathologies have been identified.
• The review synthesizes current knowledge on the neurogenetics of brain connectivity.

Conclusions:

• Connectivity neurogenetics offers a promising avenue for understanding the genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disorders.
• Identifying genetic associations with brain connectivity can lead to novel biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the complex interplay between genes, brain connectivity, and mental health.