Genome-wide analysis of brain age identifies 59 associated loci and unveils relationships with mental and physical health.

ABSTRACT: Neuroimaging and machine learning are advancing research into the mechanisms of biological aging. In this field, 'brain age gap' has emerged as a promising magnetic resonance imaging-based biomarker that quantifies the deviation between an individual's biological and chronological age of the brain. Here we conducted an in-depth genomic analysis of the brain age gap and its relationships with over 1,000 health traits. Genome-wide analyses in up to 56,348 individuals unveiled a heritability of 23-29% attributable to common genetic variants and highlighted 59 associated loci (39 novel). The leading locus encompasses MAPT, encoding the tau protein central to Alzheimer's disease. Genetic correlations revealed relationships with mental health, physical health, lifestyle and socioeconomic traits,

SUBMITTER: Jawinski P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12532595 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature