Longitudinal four-dimensional mapping of subcortical anatomy in human development

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Human Anatomy

Background:

• Cortical development is well-studied, but subcortical structure development remains poorly understood.
• Subcortical structures (striatum, pallidum, thalamus) are vital for cognitive functions and are implicated in developmental disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the longitudinal development of subcortical structures (striatum, pallidum, thalamus) in typically developing individuals.
• To investigate age-related changes in subcortical volume and shape, including sex differences.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 1,171 longitudinal structural MRI scans from 618 participants aged 5-25 years.
• Measurement of subcortical volume and shape using advanced imaging analysis techniques.
• Four-dimensional mapping to visualize developmental changes in subcortical shape.

Main Results:

• Striatum, pallidum, and thalamus exhibit curvilinear volume trajectories, with some peaking later than cortical volume and showing male-specific delays.
• Subcortical regions show age-related expansion and contraction, linked to specific cortical areas.
• Significant sexually dimorphic changes in subcortical shape during adolescence were identified.

Conclusions:

• Subcortical development is dynamic, spatially heterogeneous, and sexually dimorphic, mirroring cortical development.
• This study provides a comprehensive spatiotemporal framework for subcortical maturation.
• Findings are critical for advancing basic, evolutionary, and clinical neuroscience research.