The genetic architecture of cerebellar lobules: Insights from the UK Biobank

Abstract

In this work we take advantage of opportunities afforded by the UK Biobank, and complement recent studies examining the genetics of cerebellar volume from that vantage point. We examine the genetic underpinnings of the different cerebellar lob(ul)es, possible reflexes of their evolutionary history, and their genetic relation to psychiatric disorders, cognitive performance and the cortical language network as well as to subcortical regions. Overall, our results show that the cerebellum is a heritable structure, not only globally but also at the regional level. However, our analysis also reveals significant variability across different substructures, justifying the need for a more detailed analysis affording greater structural resolution. Aspects of the "neo-cerebellum", especially lobule VI/Crus I and, to a lesser extent, Crus II, stand out in our analysis.