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Distinct Neonatal Brain Anatomy Is Associated With Cross-Disorder Genetic Risk for Psychiatric Disorders
Xixi Dang1,2, Ruiqi Su3, Dan Wu3,4
1Department of Psychology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.
Shared genetic risk for psychiatric disorders is linked to brain development. Cross-disorder polygenic risk scores (PRS) in neonates show broader associations with brain anatomy, indicating early neurodevelopmental vulnerability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Psychiatric disorders have a complex genetic basis.
- The relationship between genetic liability and early brain development is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate associations between cross-disorder polygenic risk and neonatal brain anatomy.
- To explore how shared genetic liability influences early brain structure.
Main Methods:
- Derived three latent psychiatric factors using GenomicSEM.
- Calculated polygenic risk scores (PRS) in 336 neonates.
- Validated findings using updated GWAS data and PRS-CS.
Main Results:
- Cross-disorder PRS (neurodevelopmental and mood-psychosis factors) showed broader associations with neonatal brain volumes than disorder-specific PRS.
- Cross-disorder PRS correlated with smaller global brain size, with some regional associations remaining after accounting for global effects.
- Neurodevelopmental factor linked to heightened alertness at 18 months.
Conclusions:
- Shared genetic risk for psychiatric disorders influences both global and regional brain anatomy at birth.
- Cross-disorder genetic models are valuable for understanding early neurodevelopmental vulnerability in psychiatric disorders.
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