研究人員分析了整個皮層和34個已知功能領域的表面積和平均厚度。他們確定了199個重要的基因座,並發現了顯著富集的基因座,這些基因座能夠影響產前皮層發育過程中活躍調節元件的總表面積,從而支持了放射單位假說。
影響區域表面積的基因座聚集在Wnt信號通路基因的附近,從而影響祖細胞的擴增和區域身份。皮層結構的變化與認知功能、帕金森氏病、失眠、抑鬱、神經質和注意缺陷多動障礙等均具有遺傳關聯。
因此,通過這項分析,研究人員確定了與皮質結構相關的變異體,其中一些會影響信號傳導和基因表達。他們觀察到了影響大腦皮層結構、大腦發育和神經精神疾病的基因位點之間的重疊,這些表型之間的相關性值得進一步研究。
附:英文原文
Title: The genetic architecture of the human cerebral cortex
Author: Katrina L. Grasby1,*,†, Neda Jahanshad2,*,†, Jodie N. Painter1,‡, Lucía Colodro-Conde1,3,4,5,‡, Janita Bralten6,7, et al
Issue&Volume: 2020-03-20
Abstract: The cerebral cortex underlies our complex cognitive capabilities, yet little is known about the specific genetic loci that influence human cortical structure. To identify genetic variants that affect cortical structure, we conducted a genome-wide association meta-analysis of brain magnetic resonance imaging data from 51,665 individuals. We analyzed the surface area and average thickness of the whole cortex and 34 regions with known functional specializations. We identified 199 significant loci and found significant enrichment for loci influencing total surface area within regulatory elements that are active during prenatal cortical development, supporting the radial unit hypothesis. Loci that affect regional surface area cluster near genes in Wnt signaling pathways, which influence progenitor expansion and areal identity. Variation in cortical structure is genetically correlated with cognitive function, Parkinson’s disease, insomnia, depression, neuroticism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
DOI: DOI: 10.1126/science.aay6690
Source: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/367/6484/eaay6690