Global Research Alliance Conducts Largest Collaborative Study of the Brain's Genetics

Scientists from the Keck School of Medicine, University of California (UC; Los Angeles, CA, USA) found eight common aging-related mutations of the human brain from over 30,000 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans.

Approximately 300 scientists from 190 institutions are taking part in the study which aims to find targeted therapies and treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, depression, and autism. The consortium is called Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis (ENIGMA) and has collected MRI scans and genetic information from people in 33 countries to find genes responsible for breaking down key regions of the brain.

Paul Thompson, PhD, principal investigator of ENIGMA said, "ENIGMA's scientists screen brain scans and genomes worldwide for factors that help or harm the brain—this crowd-sourcing and sheer wealth of data gives us the power to crack the brain's genetic code. Our global team discovered eight genes that may erode or boost brain tissue in people worldwide. Any change in those genes appears to alter your mental bank account or brain reserve by 2 or 3 percent.”

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Keck School of Medicine, University of California