Genetic and Environmental Contributions to Subcortical Gray Matter Microstructure and Volume in the Developing Brain

Abstract

Using baseline (ages 9-10) and two-year follow-up (ages 11-12) data from monozygotic and dizygotic twins enrolled in the longitudinal Adolescent Brain and Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study, we investigated the genetic and environmental contributions to microstructure and volume of nine subcortical gray matter regions. Microstructure was assessed using diffusion MRI data analyzed using restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) models. The highest heritability estimates for microstructure were found using the RSI model in the pallidum (0.862±0.037), putamen (0.845±0.041), and thalamus (0.849±0.040). For volumes the corresponding regions were the brainstem (0.880±0.026), caudate (0.881±0.027) and putamen (0.870±0.030). No significant evidence of contributions of the common environment or changes in the contributions with development were observed. Individual differences in both gray matter microstructure and volumes can be largely explained by additive genetic effects in this sample.