# Genomic architecture of human neuroanatomical diversity

## TL;DR

This study shows that many small genetic changes across the genome explain a large portion of brain structure differences in humans.

## Contribution

The study reveals that 54% of brain anatomy heritability is due to numerous small-effect genetic variants.

## Key findings

- Up to 54% of brain anatomy heritability is explained by small-effect SNPs across the genome.
- Genetic influences on brain structure are distinct from those affecting height but overlap with verbal intelligence.
- The findings suggest shared genetic mechanisms between brain anatomy and cognitive traits.

## Abstract

Human brain anatomy is strikingly diverse and highly inheritable: genetic factors may explain up to 80% of its variability. Prior studies have tried to detect genetic variants with a large effect on neuroanatomical diversity, but those currently identified account for <5% of the variance. Here we show, based on our analyses of neuroimaging and whole-genome genotyping data from 1,765 subjects, that up to 54% of this heritability is captured by large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms of small effect spread throughout the genome, especially within genes and close regulatory regions. The genetic bases of neuroanatomical diversity appear to be relatively independent of those of body size (height), but shared with those of verbal intelligence scores. The study of this genomic architecture should help us better understand brain evolution and disease.