Control for Non-Genetic Factors in Brain Response Studies

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What are some non-genetic factors that need to be controlled for when studying the impact of genes on brain response?

Age, gender, IQ, population stratification, environmental factors such as illness, injury, or substance abuse

Why is it important for imaging tasks to maximize sensitivity, reliability, and inferential value in the context of studying genetic effects on brain response?

The validity of interpreting potential gene effects depends on the quality of the information processing paradigm.

What role does the serotonin transporter gene play in mental well-being, particularly in relation to anxiety and depression?

s allele carriers are at greater risk for anxiety and depression, indicating a gene-environment interaction.

How do s allele carriers differ in amygdala activation compared to other genotypes?

s allele carriers show increased resting state amygdala activation and heightened response to fearful faces. Signup and view all the answers

Why is replication of important findings in imaging genetics crucial?

Replication ensures the reliability and validity of any observed effects. Signup and view all the answers

What are the challenges associated with genetic effects at the level of the brain when studying brain response?

Systematic differences between genotype groups could obscure a true gene effect or masquerade as one. Signup and view all the answers

Why are traditional methods, like questionnaires and diagnoses, ineffective in examining the impact of genetic polymorphisms on mental well-being?

Results are often weak and inconsistent, and enormous samples are required. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do brain regions subserving specific cognitive and emotional processes have over subjective self-reports in measuring genetic effects?

They are more objectively measurable than subjective consequences. Signup and view all the answers

Why may genetic effects be more easily apparent at the level of the brain?

There is more 'signal to noise' at the brain level. Signup and view all the answers

What are some benefits of imaging studies in the context of genetic research?

Require fewer participants, examine gene effects in functional circuits, and provide 'in vivo' study of functional genetic variation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the protocol for imaging genetics?

Selection of candidate genes with well-defined functional polymorphisms. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for genes in imaging genetics to have likely functional implications involving neuroanatomical systems?

To study the effects of genetic variations on brain structures and functions. Signup and view all the answers

How can we measure comparable constructs over development in the context of functional neuroimaging and experimental psychology?

By using functional neuroimaging and experimental psychology measures. Signup and view all the answers

What is canalization in the context of genetics and development?

Canalization is a measure of the ability of a population to produce the same phenotype regardless of variability of its environment or genotype. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to move away from simple explanations and univariate problem space in understanding the impact of genetic polymorphisms on mental well-being?

To capture the complexity and interactions of multiple factors influencing mental well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of lower coupling between the amygdala and subgenual anterior cingulate in s allele carriers?

It indicates a potential impact of 5-HTTLPR genotype on emotional regulation and temperament. Signup and view all the answers

What does the neuroconstructivist approach focus on in understanding developmental disorders?

The construction of representations in the developing brain. Signup and view all the answers

Why is there a need for new paradigms and analytic approaches when linking genetic and imaging data over development?

To reliably and sensitively distinguish between participants and isolate meaningful neurocognitive constructs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of amygdala-anterior cingulate coupling on harm avoidance?

It is linked to harm avoidance behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How can we address the challenge of multifinality in genetic effects on brain regions subserving cognitive and emotional processes?

By considering the diverse functions of components within the larger system of brain organization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of polygenic risk scores in imaging genetic studies of psychiatric outcomes?

They are associated with activation to emotional faces and can help predict risk for psychiatric disorders. Signup and view all the answers

Why are longitudinal studies essential in understanding the developing neural circuitry in the context of genetic effects on the brain?

To account for variability in environmental stressors and developmental genetic effects over time. Signup and view all the answers