KIBRA single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with hippocampal subfield volumes and cognition across development

AbstractThe hippocampus (Hc) consists of cytoarchitectonically and functionally distinct subfields: dentate gyrus (DG), cornu ammonis (CA1-3), and subiculum. In adults, a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs17070145, C → T) inKIBRA, a gene encoding the eponymous (KIdney-BRAin) protein, is associated with variability in Hc subfield volumes and episodic memory. T-allele carriers have larger DG and CA volumes and better episodic memory compared to C-homozygotes. Little is known, however, aboutKIBRA’s role in the development of the brain and cognition. In a sample of children, adolescents, and young adults (N = 176, ages 5– 25 years), we replicated the adult association betweenKIBRA T-allele and larger DG and CA volumes but observed no relationship betweenKIBRA rs17070145 polymorphism and episodic memory. We noted, however, that a general cognitive performance index (IQ) differed across the allelic groups, with the lowest scores among T-homozygotes and the highest among C-homozygotes. Thus, in this developmental sample,KIBRA appears to have opposing effects on regional brain volume and cognition. These influences ofKIBRA SNP may stem from associations between developmental reduction in brain volume and gains in cognitive performance —a hypothesis to be tested in longitudinal studies.
Source: Anatomy and Embryology - Category: Anatomy Source Type: research