New Insights into How Genetics Shape Brain Structure

A recent groundbreaking study has shed light on the genetic factors that influence the intricate shapes of subcortical brain regions. Researchers from the Forschungszentrum Jülich, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, and Helmholtz Munich analyzed data from approximately 20,000 healthy White-British individuals in the UK Biobank. Unlike traditional measurements that focus solely on the volume of brain structures, this study examined their detailed geometric shapes.

The team employed the Laplace-Beltrami spectrum (LBS), a mathematical approach that captures the geometric properties of shapes, to create a unique 'fingerprint' for each brain region. This method allowed a more comprehensive understanding of brain morphology.

Using a multivariate genome-wide association study (GWAS), the scientists identified 80 genetic variants linked to the shape of 22 subcortical structures, including the cerebellum and brain stem. Notably, many of these genetic variants were already known to affect brain volume, but this study revealed their influence on the complex shapes of these regions.

The findings have significant implications for health, as some of the genetic variants associated with brain shape are also linked to conditions such as high blood pressure, neurodegenerative diseases, alcohol consumption, and mental disorders. This suggests that the shape of brain structures could serve as early biomarkers for these health risks.

By enhancing our understanding of how genetics influence not just brain size but also its detailed morphology, this research opens new avenues for early diagnosis and intervention in neurological and psychiatric conditions.

The full study, titled "Beyond volume: Unraveling the genetics of human brain geometry," was published in Science Advances (2025). More information can be found through the original publication.