Loss of function mutations in ZDHHC9 result in pervasive differences in white matter \cite{Bathelt_2016}, alongside a cognitive profile that includes profound expressive language deficits \cite{Baker_2015}. The current study demonstrates that these mutations also result in systematic differences in structural brain organization, with reductions in node strength and node degree in both cortical and subcortical regions. Furthermore, graph metrics of clustering and efficiency indicated significant reductions in the ZDHHC9 case group indicating that ZDHHC9 mutation impacts on white matter network topology.

The current study demonstrates that these mutations also result in systematic differences in structural brain organization, with reductions in node strength and node degree in both cortical and subcortical regions.. Furthermore, graph metrics of clustering and efficiency indicated significant reductions in the ZDHHC9 case group \cite{Collin_2013a}. Any differences in genetic predisposition affecting this processes are likely to impose early constraints with general effects on the later trajectory of neural and cognitive development and may contribute to the mild-moderate intellectual disability observed in this group \cite{Di_Martino_2014}.