Genetic correlations and genome-wide associations of cortical structure in general population samples of 22,824 adults

Hofer, Edith; Alhusaini, Saud; Cavalleri, Gianpiero; Delanty, Norman

s41467-020-18367-y (1).pdf (6.3 MB)

Genetic correlations and genome-wide associations of cortical structure in general population samples of 22,824 adults

journal contribution

posted on 2021-04-26, 14:41 authored by Edith Hofer, Saud Alhusaini, Gianpiero CavalleriGianpiero Cavalleri, Norman DelantyNorman Delanty

Cortical thickness, surface area and volumes vary with age and cognitive function, and in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Here we report heritability, genetic correlations and genome-wide associations of these cortical measures across the whole cortex, and in 34 anatomically predefined regions. Our discovery sample comprises 22,824 individuals from 20 cohorts within the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) consortium and the UK Biobank. We identify genetic heterogeneity between cortical measures and brain regions, and 160 genome-wide significant associations pointing to wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β and sonic hedgehog pathways. There is enrichment for genes involved in anthropometric traits, hindbrain development, vascular and neurodegenerative disease and psychiatric conditions. These data are a rich resource for studies of the biological mechanisms behind cortical development and aging.

Funding

Details of funding can be found on the original article under Supplementary Information (https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art:10.1038/s41467-020-18367-y/MediaObjects/41467_2020_18367_MOESM1_ESM.pdf) See Supplementary Note 1, p31

History

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32963231/

Associated research data files

The genome-wide summary statistics that support the findings of this study are available via the CHARGE Summary Results portal at the NCBI dbGaP website https://www.omicsdi.org/dataset/dbgap/phs000930 upon publication, or from the corresponding authors R.S. and S.S. upon reasonable request. The summary statistics may be used for all scientific purposes except for the study of potentially sensitive and potentially stereotyping phenotypes such as intelligence and addiction, since this is proscribed by the consent terms for the NHLBI cohorts. Individual level data or study-specific summary results are only available through controlled access. Data for the Framingham Study are available through dbGaP, where qualified researchers can apply for authorization to access (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/gap/cgi-in/study.cgi?study_id=phs000007.v30.p11). Individual level data for the ARIC and CHS studies are also available through dbGaP. Data of European and Australian cohorts are available upon request, in keeping with data sharing guidelines in the EU General Data Protection Regulation. Data from UK Biobank can be accessed at http://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk and for the ENIGMA consortium from medlandse@gmail.com. Individual level data for VETSA is not available due to consent restrictions.

Comments

The original article is available at https://www.nature.com/

Published Citation

Hofer E. et al. Genetic correlations and genome-wide associations of cortical structure in general population samples of 22,824 adults. Nature Communications. 2020;11(1):4796.