Genetic Loci Connecting Brain Structure and Psychiatric Disorders Identified in New Study

Recent research has shed light on the genetic factors that influence brain architecture and their connection to psychiatric illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. These disorders are significantly affected by genetics, with previous studies pinpointing specific genes linked to increased risk and identifying common structural brain patterns observed in affected individuals.

A collaborative effort among researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and other institutions has led to a groundbreaking study published in Nature Mental Health. The study investigates how certain genetic variations can simultaneously impact brain structure, particularly cortical regions, and elevate the susceptibility to psychiatric conditions.

Led by first author Zhiqiang Sha, the research team explored the concept that genetic influences leave detectable signatures in both brain development and mental health. Even among individuals without clinical diagnoses, such as relatives of patients, these genetic effects can be prominent. By mapping the shared genetic influences, the researchers aimed to understand how brain development may deviate from typical trajectories in high-risk populations.

Utilizing large-scale genetic and brain imaging data from projects like the European Genomics Consortium, UK Biobank, and ABCD study, the team applied advanced statistical methods to identify specific genetic loci. They discovered dozens of genomic regions with dual effects: some influence both cortical surface area and cortical thickness, which are critical aspects of brain structure.

Remarkably, genetic variants were found to impact different brain regions in complex ways, sometimes causing one area to grow larger while another shrinks. This highlights the intricate and sometimes counterintuitive nature of genetic effects on brain morphology, which traditional analysis tools might miss.

The findings enhance our understanding of the biological pathways that contribute to psychiatric risk. By revealing how shared genetic factors influence brain structure and mental health, this research paves the way for future studies aimed at early identification and intervention. Sha and colleagues plan to examine how these genetic effects evolve during brain development and attempt to predict early vulnerability to psychiatric disorders.

Looking ahead, the researchers intend to integrate additional biological data, such as gene expression and brain connectivity, to create a comprehensive model of psychiatric disorder risk. Ultimately, the goal is to translate these insights into preventive strategies and more targeted, effective treatments for mental health conditions.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-genetic-loci-link-brain-psychiatric.html