Chinese Scientists Link Brain Cortex Topology to Genetic Traits

Chinese scientists at the Institute of Automation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered a link between the topological structure of human brain cortex connections and genetic characteristics. Published in the *Journal of Neuroscience*, the study addresses how these intricate connections form and why distinct brain regions exhibit orderly distribution across the cortex. The research defines a "global connectivity topology" across the entire brain, showing correspondence with gene expression. Researcher Fan Lingzhong stated that "the brain begins following a genetic 'blueprint' during embryonic development." The study suggests that genes guide the spatial organization of white matter fiber tracts through efficient organizational principles, forming specific embedded patterns in the cortex. Analyzing datasets, the team identified three dominant topological axes governing brain connectivity: dorsal-ventral, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral. These axes align with embryonic morphogenetic and genetic gradients during development, according to lead author Li Deying.