In genomics, a gene being imaged and analyzed is referred to as a candidate gene. The ideal candidate genes for comparative genomic testing are genes that harbor well-defined functional polymorphisms with known effects on neuroanatomical and/or cognitive function. However, genes with either identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms or allele variations with potential functional implications on neuroanatomical systems suffice. The weaker the connection between the gene and the phenotype, the more difficult it is to establish causality through testing.
