Mapping the Human Connectome: Structure, Function, and Heritability

The Human Connectome Project (HCP) has acquired vast amounts of data about the pattern of long-distance connections (wiring) in the brains of large numbers of healthy participants aged 22-35 using cutting-edge MRI and MEG neuroimaging, and extensive behavioral testing. Types of MR data collected included diffusion MRI (dMRI), resting-state functional MRI (r-fMRI), and structural MRI at both 3T and 7T, and task-evoked functional MRI (t-fMRI) at 3T. Following an extensive period of development and optimization of data acquisition and analysis methods, at Washington University in St. Louis we studied 1,206 participants comprising twins and their non-twin siblings. A subset of 184 twins was scanned again at the University of Minnesota using a 7T scanner. A different subset of 95 twins was studied at St. Louis University using combined resting state and/or task-activated MEG. We were able to collect genetic data on 1142 of our 1206 participants, including 149 pairs of genetically-confirmed monozygotic twins (298 participants) and 94 pairs of genetically-confirmed dizygotic twins (188 participants). Overall, there are 457 different families in the study, as determined by genetic analysis. Our rich set of imaging, behavioral and genetic data - available through the Human Connectome database - will enable many types of analysis of brain circuitry, its relationship to behavior, and the contributions of genetic and environmental factors to brain circuits. ]]> HCP Inclusion Criteria Age 22 to 35 at the time of telephone diagnostic interview (SSAGA) HCP exclusion Criteria Significant history of psychiatric disorder, substance abuse, neurological, or cardiovascular disease Participant report of diagnosis by a treating physician; or Hospitalization for the condition for two days or longer; or Pharmacologic or behavioral treatment by a cardiologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, or endocrinologist for a period of 12 months or longer, other than treatment for childhood-only ADHD. Participant report of diagnosis by a treating physician; or Hospitalization for the condition for two days or longer; or Participant report of diagnosis by a treating physician; or Hospitalization for the condition for two days or longer; or Pharmacologic or behavioral treatment by a cardiologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, or endocrinologist for a period of 12 months or longer, other than treatment for childhood-only ADHD. Two or more seizures after age 5 or a diagnosis of epilepsy Any genetic disorder, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, brain tumor or stroke Any of the following head injuries Loss of consciousness for > 30 minutes; or Amnesia for > 24 hours; or Change in mental status for > 24 hours; or CT findings consistent with traumatic brain injury; or Three or more concussive (mild) incidences of head injury Premature birth (for twins, before 34 weeks; for non-twin siblings, before 37 weeks. If weeks unknown, less than 5 lbs. at birth for non-twins) Currently on chemotherapy or immunomodulatory agents, or history of radiation or chemotherapy that could affect the brain. Thyroid hormone treatment in the past month Treatment for diabetes in the past month (other than gestational or diet-controlled diabetes) Use of daily prescription medications for migraines in the past month A score of 25 or below on the Folstein Mini Mental State Exam on visit Day 1 Moderate or severe claustrophobia Pregnancy Unsafe metal in the body ]]> August 2012: First participant visit December 2015: Last participant visit May 2016: Genotyping completed on MEGA array with PsychChip and ImmunoChip content December 2016: Genotyping completed on NeuroConsortium array chip (same DNA prep as the MEGA chip). Both genotyping sets are from DNA from non-transformed and non-amplified white blood cells. ]]>