An article called, Genetic Influences on Human Brain Structures: A Review of Brain Imaging Studies in Twins was published last week by researchers in the Netherlands. This journal article is very interesting because it focuses on the genetic basis of brain structures based on a MARI study performed on twins. Imaging studies done on twins has helped researchers conclude that the genetic influences on the brain vary depending on the structure. The regions that are highly heritable are the grey matter in the medial prefrontal cortex, Herschl's gyrus, and the postcentral gyrus as well as large regions of white matter. Moderate to high heritabilities were found in Broca's area, anterior cingulate, hippocampus, amygdala, gray matter of the parahippocampal gyrus, and white matter of the superior occipitofrontal fasciculus.
The study described above is significant for various reasons. Firstly, it suggests that there is a genetic basis to brain development. Secondly, many of the areas that have high heritability are involved in common memory conditions, which helps conclude that these condition have a genetic correlation. Lastly, this study may lead to future studies that focus on these high heritable regions develop throughout life.
The abstract of the journal article can be found here:
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/114207464/ABSTRACT
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