A complex trait genetic approach to understanding brain systems for musical rhythm processing
Grant
Overview
Overview
abstract
Keeping time to musical rhythm involves complex coordination between sensory, motor, cognitive and reward systems. Rhythm is moderately heritable, meaning that a proportion of variation across individuals in their rhythm skills can be explained by genetic factors, but it is not yet clear how genes influence the neural substrates of rhythm traits. The overarching goal of this project is to discover how genetic variation helps the brain to wire itself for musical rhythm input and synchrony. We will test hypotheses about the underpinnings of rhythm processing encompassing connectivity between auditory and motor areas, in addition to interrogating neurobiological processes potentially influenced by genetic factors during early development of rhythm traits. We will thus connect the genetic and neural architecture of rhythm to explain how genetic variation influences the development (Aim 1) and function (Aim 2) of the rhythm processing network. We will combine diverse extant data sources (including neuroimaging data, genome-wide association summary statistics, and gene expression data) with an innovative combination of statistical methods. We will also examine potential biological overlap with a wide range of health traits including cognitive function and dysfunction. As such, the project comprises a combination of hypothesis-generating and hypothesis-testing approaches which will elucidate candidate neural mechanisms that mediate the relationship between genetic alleles and rhythm behavior (e.g., auditory-motor synchronization to a musical beat). This basic neuroscience project will elucidate the neurobiological underpinnings of rhythm at multiple levels of brain systems, providing groundwork for reimagining rhythm as a health- relevant mental function trait.
