Structure-function coupling in white matter uncovers the hypoconnectivity in autism spectrum disorder.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Developmental Disorders

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is linked to brain gray matter alterations.
• White matter (WM) structure-function coupling in ASD is under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate white matter (WM) structural-functional coupling in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Examine the relationship between WM coupling alterations and ASD symptom severity.
• Evaluate the efficacy of integrated multi-model features for ASD prediction.

Main Methods:

• Integrated diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional connectivity MRI data from 89 ASD and 63 typically developing (TD) individuals (ABIDE-II).
• Utilized supervised machine learning to assess associations between WM coupling and ASD severity (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2) in an independent cohort.
• Compared multi-model (structural-functional coupling) versus single-model (structural or functional alone) feature performance.

Main Results:

• ASD individuals showed widespread reductions in WM structural-functional coupling compared to TD individuals, notably in commissural, association, and projection tracts.
• Machine learning identified a significant correlation between altered WM coupling and ASD severity scores in an independent test cohort.
• Integrated multi-model features outperformed single-model features in predicting ASD severity.

Conclusions:

• This study presents novel evidence of atypical structural-functional coupling in the white matter of individuals with ASD.
• Findings enhance understanding of white matter network dysfunction in ASD pathophysiology.
• Highlights the potential of combined structural and functional data for ASD research and clinical applications.