Correlation of Gray Matter Volume with Transcriptional and Cellular Characteristics in Post COVID-19 Olfactory Dysfunction Patients

Motivation: Exploring gray matter volume (GMV) differences in post-COVID olfactory dysfunction patients to uncover the underlying biological mechanisms through imaging transcriptomics. Goal(s): To identify GMV alterations linked to olfactory dysfunction and correlate these changes with transcriptional and cellular data. Approach: The study analyzed MRI data from post-COVID olfactory dysfunction patients and healthy controls, integrating GMV measurements with gene expression data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas. Results: Significant GMV reductions in the entorhinal cortex were observed, revealing associations with olfactory performance and highlighting ion transport pathways in related gene expression. Impact: This research identifies critical GMV changes in post-COVID olfactory dysfunction patients, linking them to specific genetic and cellular pathways. These findings can inform future therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring olfactory function and understanding post-COVID neurological sequelae.