Aberrant dynamic minimal spanning tree parameters within default mode network in patients with autism spectrum...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience

Background:

• Altered functional connectivity (FC) and temporal dynamics in cortical networks, particularly the default mode network (DMN), are implicated in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Understanding these alterations may offer insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in the topographical organization and temporal dynamics of the DMN in individuals with ASD.
• To examine the relationship between these DMN alterations and autistic symptom severity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) project.
• Applied the minimal spanning tree (MST) technique to construct time-varying complex networks of the DMN.
• Analyzed temporal mean and variance of MST parameters to assess information exchange efficiency and volatility.

Main Results:

• Individuals with ASD exhibited significantly lower information exchange efficiencies within the DMN compared to neurotypical controls.
• The DMN in individuals with ASD demonstrated greater volatility in temporal dynamics.
• These DMN alterations were significantly associated with the severity of autistic symptoms.

Conclusions:

• The study provides evidence for altered functional network organization and temporal dynamics within the DMN in ASD.
• These findings suggest that DMN abnormalities contribute to the neurobiological profile of ASD and correlate with symptom severity.