Chinese scientists map genetic blueprint of human brain cortex connectivity

Researchers from the Institute of Automation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have uncovered the genetic principles underlying the structural organisation of the human brain cortex. Their findings shed new light on how neural connections are formed and distributed across different brain regions, as reported by China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

According to Fan Lingzhong, a researcher at the institute, the brain operates through an intricate network of trillions of connections that facilitate rapid information processing. However, a long-standing question remains: how do these complex connections emerge, and why does the cortex exhibit such precise structural patterns?

The study suggests that while genes do not directly encode neural connections due to their vast numerical disparity, they play a crucial role in guiding the spatial arrangement of white matter fibre tracts. This process follows fundamental organisational principles that shape distinct connectivity patterns within the cortex, explained the researcher.

By analysing extensive datasets, scientists identified three primary topological axes governing brain connectivity: dorsal-ventral, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral. These axes correspond closely with genetic gradients and embryonic morphogenetic processes, indicating a fundamental link between genetic expression and cortical structure.

A key breakthrough in the study is the definition of a "global connectivity topology," which demonstrates a strong correlation between neural wiring and gene expression. This suggests that the brain's complex organisation is governed by simplified genetic rules, providing new insights into how neural networks form during development, said the expert.

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