The X chromosome's influences on the human brain

Sci Adv. 2025 Jan 24;11(4):eadq5360. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adq5360. Epub 2025 Jan 24.

Abstract

Genes on the X chromosome are extensively expressed in the human brain. However, little is known for the X chromosome's impact on the brain anatomy, microstructure, and functional networks. We examined 1045 complex brain imaging traits from 38,529 participants in the UK Biobank. We unveiled potential autosome-X chromosome interactions while proposing an atlas outlining dosage compensation for brain imaging traits. Through extensive association studies, we identified 72 genome-wide significant trait-locus pairs (including 29 new associations) that share genetic architectures with brain-related disorders, notably schizophrenia. Furthermore, we found unique sex-specific associations and assessed variations in genetic effects between sexes. Our research offers critical insights into the X chromosome's role in the human brain, underscoring its contribution to the differences observed in brain structure and functionality between sexes.

MeSH terms

  • Brain* / metabolism
  • Chromosomes, Human, X* / genetics
  • Female
  • Genome-Wide Association Study*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Quantitative Trait Loci
  • Schizophrenia / genetics
  • Schizophrenia / pathology