Genetic Foundations of Brain Criticality and Its Impact on Human Cognition

A groundbreaking study has provided compelling evidence that brain criticality—a delicate balance between neural excitation and inhibition—is significantly influenced by genetic factors. Published on June 23 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, this research highlights that the brain’s ability to operate near a critical point is not just a functional phenomenon but also inherits a strong genetic basis.

Led by Professor Liu Ning from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Biophysics and Professor Yu Shan from the Institute of Automation, the research team analyzed resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data from the Human Connectome Project S1200 database. Their dataset comprised 250 monozygotic twins, 142 dizygotic twins, and 437 unrelated individuals, enabling a comprehensive examination of the heritability of critical brain dynamics.

The results indicated that genetic influence on brain criticality varies across different regions, with primary sensory cortices showing stronger heritability compared to higher-order association areas. This suggests that the capacity of the brain to maintain near-criticality—crucial for optimal information processing and cognitive adaptability—is largely inherited.

Further integration of rs-fMRI data with gene expression profiles from the Allen Human Brain Atlas revealed specific gene patterns associated with regional criticality. These genes are predominantly involved in biological processes linked to brain disorders, hinting at nearby mechanisms that could affect neural function.

Crucially, the study uncovered a shared genetic basis between brain criticality and cognitive performance, suggesting that genes influencing critical brain dynamics also support higher mental functions. "Maintaining criticality is essential for brain function," said Prof. Liu. "Understanding its genetic roots offers new insights into cognition and neurological conditions."

This research paves the way for future investigations into the molecular mechanisms governing brain criticality and their implications for brain health, potentially guiding the development of targeted interventions for neurological disorders.

For more detailed information, see the original publication: Yumeng Xin et al., "Genetic contributions to brain criticality and its relationship with human cognitive functions," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2025. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2417010122.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-reveals-genetic-link-brain-criticality.html