Conducted by a team of 189 scientists, the study was partially funded by the National Institutes of Health and utilized extensive data from multiple sources.

The study was published in the journal Nature Genetics and represents a significant contribution to the ongoing efforts of the ENIGMA consortium to uncover genetic variations affecting brain structure and function.

The recent research, part of the international ENIGMA consortium based at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, involved over 1,000 research labs across 45 countries.

The researchers analyzed DNA and MRI brain scans from nearly 75,000 participants, revealing connections between genetic variants and disorders such as ADHD and Parkinson's disease.

This large-scale study identified 254 genetic variants that influence the volume of key brain regions associated with memory, motor control, and addictive behaviors.

Miguel Rentería, Ph.D., highlighted the significance of these findings for understanding the biological basis of conditions like ADHD and Parkinson's disease.

The genome-wide association studies (GWAS) explained up to 10% of the variance in brain volume among participants, providing new insights into gene-brain volume associations.

Thompson noted that this research provides a roadmap for potential interventions in brain-related disorders, emphasizing its importance in the field.

Key brain regions studied include the hippocampus, amygdala, and thalamus, which are essential for memory, emotion regulation, and movement.

However, the study is correlational, indicating that further research is necessary to establish causal links between the identified genetic variants and various brain disorders.

The findings linked certain genetic variations to increased risks for conditions such as Parkinson's disease and ADHD, paving the way for potential interventions.

Overall, the research aims to pinpoint specific genetic changes related to brain diseases, enhancing our understanding of the genetic basis of brain function and dysfunction.