The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism Affects the Vulnerability of the Brain Structural Network.

ABSTRACT: Val66Met, a naturally occurring polymorphism in the human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene resulting in a valine (Val) to methionine (Met) substitution at codon 66, plays an important role in neuroplasticity. While the effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on local brain structures has previously been examined, its impact on the configuration of the graph-based white matter structural networks is yet to be investigated. In the current study, we assessed the effect of the BDNF polymorphism on the network properties and robustness of the graph-based white matter structural networks. Graph theory was employed to investigate the structural connectivity derived from white matter tractography in two groups, Val homozygotes (n = 18) and Met-allele carriers (n = 55).

SUBMITTER: Park CH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5541016 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature