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Related Concept Videos

Cognitive Development During Adolescence01:18

Cognitive Development During Adolescence

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During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
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Cognitive Development During Adulthood01:30

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Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
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The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is...
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A revisionist approach to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development has brought new insights that challenge and reinterpret his established ideas. Piaget proposed that the formal operational stage, emerging in adolescence, represents the culmination of cognitive maturity. During this stage, individuals are said to develop abstract thinking, engage in systematic problem-solving, and show a form of egocentrism, believing others are as preoccupied with their behavior as they are...
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
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Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
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Adolescent White Matter Maturation Mediates Epigenetic Associations With Cognitive Development.

Dawn Jensen1,2, Jiayu Chen1,3, Jessica A Turner4

  • 1Tri-Institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS): (Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Emory University), Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

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|November 22, 2025
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Adolescent brain development involves increased myelination, influenced by DNA methylation changes in specific genes. These epigenetic changes are linked to white matter maturation and improved cognitive performance during adolescence.

Keywords:
adolescent developmentcognitiondiffusion tensor imaging (DTI)methylationneuroimaging epigeneticswhite matter

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Epigenetics
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Adolescent brain maturation is characterized by increased myelination (fractional anisotropy [FA]).
  • Epigenetic drivers, specifically DNA methylation (DNAm), are crucial for neurodevelopment but poorly understood.
  • Previous research linked DNAm changes at specific CpG sites to grey matter maturation and cognitive gains in adolescents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between DNAm changes in seven key genes and FA changes in adolescent brain networks.
  • To explore how these DNAm and FA changes relate to cognitive performance in adolescents.
  • To determine if white matter maturation mediates the link between epigenetic changes and cognitive development.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of normally developing adolescents (aged 9-14).
  • Analysis of DNAm at seven CpG sites in genes (GRIN2D, GABRB3, KCNC1, SLC12A9, CHD5, STXBP5, NFASC).
  • Correlation and mediation analyses with fractional anisotropy (FA) networks and cognitive test scores.

Main Results:

  • Demethylation over time significantly correlated with an FA increase network in regions of maturing interhemispheric connectivity.
  • Mediation analysis revealed this network links decreased DNAm in four genes to enhanced cognitive performance.
  • These findings suggest DNAm changes in genes related to myelination and neural balance drive white matter maturation.

Conclusions:

  • DNA methylation changes in specific genes are associated with white matter maturation during adolescence.
  • Maturation of white matter, indicated by FA increases, mediates the effect of DNAm on cognitive performance.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms play a significant role in adolescent neurodevelopment and cognitive enhancement.