Multi-organ imaging genetics: towards an integrated view of brain, body and brain diseases

Population-based cohorts that combine genetic data with whole-body multimodal imaging are transforming how we map the genetic architecture of the brain in its broader bodily context. Historically, imaging genetics has focused largely on single organs, especially the brain, with separate efforts targeting the heart, skeleton and other organs for systemic diseases, and limited integration across organ systems. Yet, strong brain-body interactions and the high multimorbidity of brain and systemic diseases highlight the need for a brain-centred multi-organ perspective. Here we introduce the emerging field of brain-focused multi-organ imaging genetics, outlining key data resources and interdisciplinary analytical frameworks for large-scale multi-organ genetic discovery and reviewing the genetic associations between brain diseases and imaging phenotypes across organ systems. We discuss how these advances support a whole-body integrated view of brain health and disease and how they are beginning to reshape clinical translation for neurological conditions. We outline a roadmap for agentic artificial intelligence co-scientists that work alongside human researchers throughout the scientific discovery process, arguing that such systems will be essential for achieving an integrated understanding of brain health and disease, both as tools for individual researchers and as a collaborative infrastructure for the whole field.