Borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) is a multifactorial condition in which both
genetic and environmental factors are likely to contribute to the clinical outcome.
Abnormal cortical development and lower IQ scores were shown to be correlated
in BIF children, but the genetic components of this condition and their possible
connection with intelligence and brain morphology have never been investigated in
BIF. The synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kD (SNAP-25) is involved in synaptic
plasticity, neural maturation, and neurotransmission, affecting intellectual functioning.
We investigated SNAP-25 polymorphisms in BIF and correlated such polymorphisms
with intelligence and cortical thickness, using socioeconomic status and environmental
stress as covariates as a good proxy of the variables that determine intellectual
abilities. Thirty-three children with a diagnosis of BIF were enrolled in the study.
SNAP-25 polymorphisms rs363050, rs363039, rs363043, rs3746544, and rs1051312
were analyzed by genotyping; cortical thickness was studied by MRI; intelligence was
measured using the WISC-III/IV subscales; environmental stressors playing a role in
neuropsychiatric development were considered as covariate factors. Results showed
that BIF children carrying the rs363043(T) minor allele represented by (CT C TT)
genotypes were characterized by lower performance Perceptual Reasoning Index and
lower full-scale IQ scores (p = 0.04) compared to those carrying the (CC) genotype.
This association was correlated with a reduced thickness of the left inferior parietal
cortex (direct effect = 0.44) and of the left supramarginal gyrus (direct effect = 0.56).
These results suggest a link between SNAP-25 polymorphism and intelligence with the
mediation role of brain morphological features in children with BIF.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:DRESDEN/oai:qucosa:de:qucosa:84349 |
| Date | 28 March 2023 |
| Creators | Blasi, Valeria, Bolognesi, Elisabetta, Ricci, Cristian, Baglio, Gisella, Zanzottera, Milena, Canevini, Maria Paola, Walder, Mauro, Cabinio, Monia, Zanette, Michela, Baglio, Francesca, Clerici, Mario, Guerini, Franca Rosa |
| Publisher | Frontiers Research Foundation |
| Source Sets | Hochschulschriftenserver (HSSS) der SLUB Dresden |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion, doc-type:article, info:eu-repo/semantics/article, doc-type:Text |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
| Relation | 1662-453X, 715048 |
Page generated in 0.0023 seconds