Genetics of brain network hubs

This thesis examines genetic markers of brain network organisation in neural networks. Integrating a range of data modalities including diffusion weighted imaging, gene expression measures and genotyping, this work shows that the genetic influences on brain connectivity converge on topologically central and functionally important brain network hubs. These findings shed light on key evolutionary principles for brain networks, the molecular basis of higher-order, integrative brain function, and genetic liability for brain disease. The methodological findings on integrating brain-wide gene expression and neuroimaging data highlight the importance of ensuring reproducibility in atlas-based imaging genetics research.