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Updated: May 10, 2026

Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
Using joint ICA to link function and structure using MEG and DTI in schizophrenia.
J M Stephen1, B A Coffman, R E Jung
1The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, 1101 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA.
Researchers used joint independent component analysis (jICA) to link brain function (magnetoencephalography) and structure (diffusion tensor imaging) in schizophrenia patients. They found altered brain connectivity and white matter integrity, impacting cognitive performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Schizophrenia is associated with complex alterations in brain function and structure.
- Investigating the relationship between neurophysiology and white matter integrity is crucial for understanding schizophrenia.
- Multimodal neuroimaging approaches offer potential for novel insights into brain connectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate magnetoencephalography (MEG) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data using joint independent component analysis (jICA).
- To investigate the covariation between brain function (MEG) and structure (DTI fractional anisotropy - FA) in healthy controls (HC) and patients with schizophrenia (SP).
- To identify neural correlates of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Employed jICA for multivariate integration of MEG and DTI data.
- Collected MEG and DTI data during an auditory/visual multisensory integration task.
- Analyzed MEG data for temporal variations and DTI data for spatial variations in FA maps.
- Registered MEG data to average head position and obtained regional waveforms.
Main Results:
- Identified significant differences in MEG/FA covariation between SP and HC groups.
- Found lower FA in posterior parietal regions associated with reduced visual MEG amplitude in SP.
- Observed increased FA in a right medial frontal region linked to larger amplitude late MEG activity in SP.
- MEG/FA components predicted cognitive performance on the MATRICS battery.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated significant pairing between brain function (neurophysiology) and structure (white matter integrity) in schizophrenia.
- Highlighted dysfunction in posterior visual processing networks in schizophrenia, characterized by altered MEG amplitude and FA.
- Confirmed the sensitivity of the multivariate, multimodal integration technique to detect group differences in function and structure.
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