Identification of genetically mediated cortical networks: a multivariate study of pediatric twins and siblings

Cereb Cortex. 2008 Aug;18(8):1737-47. doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhm211. Epub 2008 Jan 29.

Abstract

Structural magnetic resonance imaging data from 308 twins, 64 singleton siblings of twins, and 228 singletons were analyzed using structural equation modeling and selected multivariate methods to identify genetically mediated intracortical associations. Principal components analyses (PCA) of the genetic correlation matrix indicated a single factor accounting for over 60% of the genetic variability in cortical thickness. When covaried for mean global cortical thickness, PCA, cluster analyses, and graph models identified genetically mediated fronto-parietal and occipital networks. Graph theoretical models suggest that the observed genetically mediated relationships follow small world architectural rules. These findings are largely concordant with other multivariate studies of brain structure and function, the twin literature, and current understanding on the role of genes in cortical neurodevelopment.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Twin Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Mapping / methods
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Multivariate Analysis*
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Siblings*
  • Twins / genetics
  • Twins / physiology*