Provisional hypotheses for the molecular genetics of cognitive development: Imaging genetic pathways in the anterior cingulate cortex

Abstract

Brain imaging genetic research involves a multitude of methods and spans many traditional levels of analysis. Given the vast permutations among several million common genetic variants with thousands of brain tissue voxels and a wide array of cognitive tasks that activate specific brain systems, we are prompted to develop specific hypotheses that synthesize converging evidence and state clear predictions about the anatomical sources, magnitude and direction (increases vs. decreases) of allele-and task-specific brain activity associations. To begin to develop a framework for shaping our imaging genetic hypotheses, we focus on previous results and the wider imaging genetic literature. Particular emphasis is placed on converging evidence that links system-level and biochemical studies with models of synaptic function. In shaping our own imaging genetic hypotheses on the development of Attention Networks, we review relevant literature on core models of synaptic physiology and development in the anterior cingulate cortex.

Increased cerebellar volume and BDNF level following quadrato motor training

“…The QMT-induced structural changes are consistent with previous results observed after long-term motor and mental training (Draganski et al, 2004;H€ olzel et al, 2011;Scholz et al, 2009;Vestergaard-Poulsen et al, 2009). The cerebellar reorganization is most likely related to sensorimotor coordination and attention (Fossella et al, 2008;H€ olzel et al, 2011) required in the QMT. The FA increases in the corpus callosum may be related to a more efficient interhemispheric connection and increased alpha activity, as previously found following QMT (Ben-Soussan et al, 2013).…”

From Research to Practice: An Integrative Framework for the Development of Interventions for Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

“…Moderating effects of genetic factors on treatment outcomes have received considerable attention in recent years. There is a growing body of literature showing that at least four genes (DRD4, DAT, COMT, and MAOA) are involved in attention networks in the brain (Fossella et al 2008). Rueda et al (2005) found that the long form of the dopamine transporter gene was associated with stronger effortful control in an attention training study.…”

A neurodevelopmental framework for the development of interventions for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

“…These advances have profound implications for the development of novel intervention methods for children with children with FASD. For example, researchers have obtained evidence for genetic variation in executive attention (Fan et al, 2003; Fossella et al, 2008). In particular, there is evidence that alleles in a number of dopamine genes (e.g.…”