Genetic variants linked to autism are associated with structural differences in neonatal white matter, particularly increased fiber-bundle cross-section in the left superior corona radiata, highlighting early neurodevelopmental influences.
By Vijay Kumar MalesuReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Feb 5 2025 Newborn brain scans reveal how autism-related genetic variants influence early neural wiring, offering fresh insights into the origins of neurodevelopmental differences.
Background Autism Spectrum Disorder affects approximately 1 in 100 children worldwide, yet early diagnosis remains a challenge. Emerging research suggests that differences in white matter—the brain’s communication network—can be detected in infancy and may serve as early indicators of autism. While studies have explored white matter differences in older children, little is known about how genetic variants influence neonatal brain structure, necessitating further investigation.
Statistical models assessed the relationship between genetic risk and white matter structure, accounting for variables such as total brain volume, gestational age, and sex. A gene-set enrichment analysis was conducted to identify biological pathways linked to white matter alterations associated with autism. Additional analyses were performed to explore whether specific genetic pathways influenced structural differences in white matter connectivity.
Top row - Left to right sagittal view of the brain slices. Middle row- Posterior to anterior coronal view of the brain slices. Bottom row - Inferior to superior axial view of the brain slices.
While statistically significant, the effect sizes were small, and some findings—such as those related to the right superior corona radiata—did not survive multiple testing corrections, indicating the need for further validation.
Brain Genes Children Genetic Neuroimaging Newborn Pregnancy Psychiatry Research
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