2013 May : 14(5): 322–336. doi:10.1038/nrn3465. | Aaron Alexander-Bloch, Jay N. Giedd, and Ed Bullmore
The article reviews the concept of structural co-variance in the human brain, which refers to the coordinated changes in the size and shape of brain regions. These co-varying regions often form functional networks that are implicated in various cognitive and behavioral functions. The authors discuss the organizational principles of these networks, including the influence of spatial proximity, genetic and environmental factors, and the role of white matter tracts. They highlight how structural co-variance is influenced by neurodevelopment, genetic factors, and cognitive abilities. The review also explores the implications of structural co-variance in various neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and schizophrenia. The authors suggest that understanding structural co-variance can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying these conditions and may have clinical applications in diagnosis and treatment. Finally, they emphasize the need for further research to clarify the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving structural co-variance and to enhance the clinical utility of structural MRI in complex brain disorders.The article reviews the concept of structural co-variance in the human brain, which refers to the coordinated changes in the size and shape of brain regions. These co-varying regions often form functional networks that are implicated in various cognitive and behavioral functions. The authors discuss the organizational principles of these networks, including the influence of spatial proximity, genetic and environmental factors, and the role of white matter tracts. They highlight how structural co-variance is influenced by neurodevelopment, genetic factors, and cognitive abilities. The review also explores the implications of structural co-variance in various neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and schizophrenia. The authors suggest that understanding structural co-variance can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying these conditions and may have clinical applications in diagnosis and treatment. Finally, they emphasize the need for further research to clarify the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving structural co-variance and to enhance the clinical utility of structural MRI in complex brain disorders.