Structural MRI connectome in development: challenges of the changing brain

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) connectomics offers a novel framework for studying brain development as a network.
• Understanding brain connectivity and plasticity is crucial for insights into normal development and developmental disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current efforts in mapping the whole-brain structural MRI connectome in developing brains.
• To highlight challenges in developmental connectomics due to rapid maturational changes.
• To discuss strategies for defining network nodes and edges in developmental studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on structural MRI connectome mapping in neonates and children.
• Discussion of methodologies for defining brain regions (nodes) and connectivity measures (edges).
• Analysis of network properties and topological differences in developing brains.

Main Results:

• Changes in local and global network properties during maturation (neonates to children) are reviewed.
• Differences in network topology between typically and atypically developing subjects are discussed.
• Challenges in mapping the developing connectome due to rapid brain changes are emphasized.

Conclusions:

• Mapping the structural MRI connectome provides valuable insights into brain development.
• Addressing methodological challenges is essential for advancing developmental connectomics research.
• Future directions focus on refining methods to better understand brain development and disorders.