Investigating the effects of schizophrenia genome-wide associated variants on white matter microstructure and brain morphology using diffusion tenson imaging and quantitative MRI

Abstract

This thesis describes four studies that aim to to elucidate the effects of schizophrenia genome-wide associated variants on measures of white matter microstructure, cortical thickness, surface area and subcortical volume. Genome- wide association studies are considered a major advance in the identification of risk genes involved in schizophrenia pathology. However, the underlying mechanisms of how these genes act to confer risk for disease is unknown. As variation in white matter connectivity and brain structure are considered suitable endophenotypes for the disorder, this thesis examined the effects of six genome-wide associated variants on these brain measures in a sample of healthy control participants.