The connection between rs6265 polymorphism in the BDNF gene and successful mastering of the video-oculographic interface

Abstract

A video-oculographic interface is a system for controlling objects using eye movements. The video-oculographic interface differs from other brain-computer interfaces regarding its improved accuracy, simplicity, and ergonomics. Despite these advantages, all users are not equally successful in mastering these various devices. It has been suggested that the genetic characteristics of the operators may determine the efficiency of video-oculographic interface mastery. We recruited healthy users with rs6313, rs2030324, rs429358, rs10119, rs457062, rs4290270, and rs6265 polymorphisms and analyzed the relationships between these polymorphisms and values of success in video-oculographic interface mastery. We found that carriers of the G/G genotype of the rs6265 polymorphism (BDNF gene) demonstrated the best results in video-oculographic interface mastery. In contrast, carriers of the A/A genotype were characterized by large standard deviations in the average amplitude of eye movement and the range of eye movement negatively correlated with goal achievement. This can be explained through the fact that carriers of the A/A genotype demonstrate lower synaptic plasticity due to reduced expression of BDNF when compared to carriers of the G/G genotype. These results expand our understanding of the genetic predictors of successful video-oculographic interface management, which will help to optimize device management training for equipment operators and people with disabilities.

The Sensory-Cognitive Interplay: Insights into Neural Mechanisms and Circuits

“…Finally, the paper by Turovsky et al [11] analyses the relationship between the genetic characteristics of healthy subjects and success in performing a sensory-motor task that consists of using a video-oculographic interface (i.e., control of a virtual marker via eye movements from a start to a goal-point bypassing obstacles). The authors found an association between task performance and variants in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, which has been implicated in synaptic plasticity, working memory, and long-term potentiation.…”