How genes influence brain structure and mental health
Genetic heterogeneity and pleiotropy of neuroimaging and psychiatric phenotypes
This project looks for genetic links between MRI brain scans and psychiatric symptoms in adolescents and adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248259 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze genetic data and MRI brain scans from large collections such as the ABCD Study (adolescents) and the UK Biobank (adults) to find DNA variants tied to brain structure. They will run genome-wide searches on many brain imaging measures and will include the X chromosome in their analyses. The team will compare genetic effects between males and females to find sex-specific differences. Finally, they will connect known genetic risks for psychiatric disorders to changes in brain anatomy to better understand how genes may lead to symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people already included in large research cohorts (for example, adolescents in ABCD or adults in UK Biobank) who have both genetic testing and MRI brain scans.
Not a fit: People without genetic or MRI data, or those hoping for immediate new treatments, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how genetic risks change brain anatomy and point to earlier diagnosis or more personalized prevention for mental health conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous brain-imaging genome-wide studies have identified many genes linked to neurodevelopment, and this project builds on that work while adding sex-specific and X-chromosome analyses.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Chi-Hua — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Chen, Chi-Hua
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.