Effects of the Openness to Experience Polygenic Score on Cortical Thickness and Functional Connectivity

Openness to experience (OTE) has relatively stable and heritable characteristics. Previous studies have used candidate gene approaches to explore the genetic mechanisms of OTE, but genome-wide polygenic scores have a greater genetic effect than other genetic analysis methods, and previous studies have never examined the potential effect of OTE on this cumulative effect at the level of the brain mechanism. In the present study, we aim to explore the associations between polygenic scores (PGSs) of OTE and brain structure and functions. First, the results of PGSs of OTE at seven different thresholds were calculated in a large Chinese sample (N = 586). Then, we determined the associations between PGSs of OTE and cortical thickness and functional connectivity. The results showed that PGSs of OTE was negatively correlated with the thickness of the fusiform gyrus, and PGSs of OTE were negatively associated with the functional connectivity between the left intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and the right posterior occipital lobe. These findings may suggest that the brain structure of fusiform gyrus and brain functions of IPS and posterior occipital lobe are partly regulated by OTE-related genetic factors.

Automated summary

This study explored the associations between polygenic scores of Openness to Experience (OTE) and brain structure and functions in a large Chinese sample. The results showed that PGSs of OTE were negatively correlated with the thickness of the fusiform gyrus and the functional connectivity between the left intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and the right posterior occipital lobe. These findings suggest that OTE-related genetic factors may partially regulate the brain structure and functions of fusiform gyrus, IPS, and posterior occipital lobe.