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Multivariate genome-wide analysis reveals shared genetic architecture and brain structural correlates of human
Haifeng Chen1, Yuxiong Liao1, Luejun Tang1
1Department of Brain Diseases, Ward 1, Nanning Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 45 Beihu North Road, Xixiangtang District, Nanning, 530000, China.
Scientific Reports
|November 25, 2025
Summary
This study reveals the shared genetic basis of human cognitive abilities, identifying novel genetic loci and candidate causal genes. These findings advance our understanding of the genetic architecture underlying cognitive traits.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Limited understanding of the genetic factors influencing human cognitive abilities.
- Need to identify shared genetic architecture across cognitive traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the shared genetic architecture of human cognitive abilities.
- To identify genetic loci and candidate causal genes associated with cognitive variation.
- To explore the genetic contribution of different chromosomes to cognitive abilities.
Main Methods:
- Genomic Structural Equation Modeling (Genomic-SEM) and multivariate Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS).
- Transcriptome-wide association studies and BrainXcan pipeline for brain imaging genetics.
- Analysis of human disease data, UK Biobank, and ENIGMA database for susceptibility factors.
Main Results:
- Identified 3,842 genome-wide significant loci, including 275 novel loci for cognitive ability.
- Discovered 13 high-confidence candidate causal genes and associated functional elements.
- Systematically analyzed genetic contributions from all chromosomes to cognitive abilities.
Conclusions:
- This research significantly advances the mapping of the shared genetic architecture of human cognitive abilities.
- The findings provide a foundation for future research into the genetic underpinnings of cognition.
- Identified genetic factors offer potential targets for understanding cognitive health and disease.
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