Heritability and genetic contribution analysis of structural-functional coupling in human brain

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• Functional connectivity (FC) is supported by white matter structural connectivity (SC).
• The genetic underpinnings of SC-FC coupling remain largely unexplored.
• Previous studies often relied on predefined brain atlases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic architecture of SC-FC coupling using an atlas-free approach.
• To identify genetic variations influencing the relationship between brain structure and function.
• To explore genetic correlations of SC-FC coupling with complex traits.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an atlas-free SC-FC coupling method based on the white-gray matter interface.
• Analyzed data from the Human Connectome Project and the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study.
• Performed genome-wide association studies and genetic correlation analyses.

Main Results:

• Identified significant heritability in visual cortex and functional networks (dorsal-attention, language, somatomotor).
• Detected 334 genetic loci associated with SC-FC coupling across multiple brain networks.
• Confirmed 187 cytogenetic bands linked to SC-FC coupling in a separate cohort.
• Found high genetic interrelatedness between neighboring regions and correlations with complex traits.

Conclusions:

• This study provides novel insights into the genetic basis of brain connectivity.
• The findings highlight the genetic interplay between structural and functional brain networks.
• This research may inform our understanding of neurological and psychiatric disorders.