Unveiling Fetal Cortical Folding: Neuroimaging and Genetic Insights

Motivation: Understanding the genetic mechanisms that govern cortical folding is essential for uncovering the biological processes that drive early brain development. Goal(s): To identify gene sets associated with structural and microstructural characteristics of the fetal cortical folding. Approach: We combined advanced in-utero structural MRI and diffusion MRI measurements of cortical curvature and microstructure with PsychEncode gene expression data, examining correlations across cortical regions during key developmental stages. Results: Our analysis identified gene sets associated with cortical folding. Genes linked to neurogenesis, neuron differentiation, cell adhesion, and extracellular matrix development, indicating their roles in fetal cortical development. Impact: This research links specific genes to fetal cortical folding, offering insights into prenatal brain development and potential biomarkers for early neurodevelopmental disorder detection. These findings enable further study of gene-environment interactions, advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.