By studying brain volume, researchers have found genetic links with several pathologies such as Parkinson’s and ADHD as well as certain brain structures.
- A large-scale study of brain volume has revealed genetic links to Parkinson’s disease and ADHD.
- The researchers also discovered 254 genetic variations associated with the brain volume of subcortical structures.
- This explained up to 10% of the observed differences in brain volume between study participants.
“Many brain diseases are known to be partly genetic, but from a scientific perspective we want to find the specific changes in the genetic code that cause them”explains Professor Paul M. Thompson in a press release. To achieve this objective, the researcher and his colleagues used data from the Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis (ENIGMA) consortium project, which brings together work on genetic variations affecting the brain from more than 1,000 laboratories in 45 countries.
They were able to highlight genetic links with Parkinson’s disease and ADHD. Their study is presented in detail in the journal Nature Genetics.
Parkinson’s, ADHD: a link with genetic variations highlighted
The scientists studied DNA samples and MRI scans showing subcortical structures (the corpus callosum, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus and putamen) of 74,898 participants. They thus identified several genetic variations linked to various traits or diseases. Among other things, they found genetic associations with brain volume that lead to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease or ADHD.
“There is strong evidence that ADHD and Parkinson’s disease have a biological basis, and this research is a necessary step toward understanding and potentially treating these conditions more effectively, indicates Professor Miguel Rentería. Our results suggest that genetic influences underlying individual differences in brain structure may be fundamental to understanding the underlying causes of brain-related disorders.”
254 genetic variations associated with brain volume
The team also analyzed the brain volume of subcortical structures, regions playing, among other things, a role in the formation of memories, the regulation of emotions, the control of movements and the processing of sensory data.
It thus highlighted 254 genetic variations associated with brain volume in these areas of the brain. Experts estimated that this explained up to 10% of the observed differences in brain volume between study participants.
“This paper, for the first time, identifies exactly where these genes act in the brain, providing the start of a road map for where to intervene.”assures Professor Paul M. Thompson.
If these results represent an advance in the knowledge of brain genetics, the authors of the study specify that further research is necessary to confirm their conclusions.
