Imaging Genetics — Towards Discovery

Imaging genetics is an emerging field aimed at identifying and characterizing ge-netic variants that influence measures derived from anatomical or functional brain im-ages, which are in turn related to brain-related illnesses or fundamental cognitive, emotional and behavioral processes, and affected by environmental factors. Here we review recent evolution of statistical approaches and outstanding challenges in imag-ing genetics, with a focus on population-based imaging genetic association studies. We show the trend in imaging genetics from candidate approaches to pure discovery science, and from univariate to multivariate analyses. We also discuss future directions and prospects of imaging genetics for ultimately helping understand the genetic and environmental underpinnings of various neuropsychiatric disorders and turning basic science into clinical strategies. Key words: Imaging genetics; association study; multiple testing; 5-O approach 1