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The missing third dimension-Functional correlations of BOLD signals incorporating white matter
Zhongliang Zu1,2,3, Soyoung Choi1,2, Yu Zhao1,2
1Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
Science Advances
|January 26, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a novel three-way correlation method to analyze brain connectivity by including white matter signals. This approach enhances our understanding of brain networks and their age-related changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Systems Neuroscience
- Brain Network Analysis
Background:
- Functional connectivity is typically assessed using correlations between gray matter signals, overlooking white matter's role.
- Recent findings indicate that blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals in white matter are detectable and reflect neural activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for assessing brain network communication by incorporating white matter signals.
- To define "communication connectivity" by integrating gray matter and white matter BOLD signals.
Main Methods:
- A three-way correlation analysis was developed, linking BOLD signals from gray matter regions (nodes) and white matter tracts (edges).
- Publicly available MRI datasets were utilized to apply and validate the proposed method.
Main Results:
- The study demonstrates that this three-way connectivity measure is sensitive to factors such as age.
- The integration of white matter BOLD signals provides a more comprehensive view of brain network dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Incorporating white matter functional MRI signals into network analyses offers a more complete understanding of brain function.
- This novel approach advances the study of brain networks by including the communication pathways mediated by white matter.
