Mapping gene transcription and neurocognition across human neocortex

Justine Y. Hansen, Ross D. Markello, Jacob W. Vogel, Jakob Seidlitz, Danilo Bzdok and Bratislav Misic ()
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Justine Y. Hansen: McGill University
Ross D. Markello: McGill University
Jacob W. Vogel: University of Pennsylvania
Jakob Seidlitz: University of Pennsylvania
Danilo Bzdok: McGill University
Bratislav Misic: McGill University

Nature Human Behaviour, 2021, vol. 5, issue 9, 1240-1250

Abstract: Abstract Regulation of gene expression drives protein interactions that govern synaptic wiring and neuronal activity. The resulting coordinated activity among neuronal populations supports complex psychological processes, yet how gene expression shapes cognition and emotion remains unknown. Here, we directly bridge the microscale and macroscale by mapping gene expression patterns to functional activation patterns across the cortical sheet. Applying unsupervised learning to the Allen Human Brain Atlas and Neurosynth databases, we identify a ventromedial–dorsolateral gradient of gene assemblies that separate affective and perceptual domains. This topographic molecular-psychological signature reflects the hierarchical organization of the neocortex, including systematic variations in cell type, myeloarchitecture, laminar differentiation and intrinsic network affiliation. In addition, this molecular-psychological signature strengthens over neurodevelopment and can be replicated in two independent repositories. Collectively, our results reveal spatially covarying transcriptomic and cognitive architectures, highlighting the influence that molecular mechanisms exert on psychological processes.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01082-z

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