Early Maturation of Functional Connectivity within Dorsal Brain Networks

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Established visual neuroscience research details the dorsal (DVN) and ventral (VVN) visual networks.
• The developmental trajectory of functional connectivity within these networks remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age-related differences in functional network connectivity within the DVN and VVN.
• To examine the developmental course of alpha-band oscillations as a marker of cognitive inhibitory control.

Main Methods:

• Resting state magnetoencephalography (rsMEG) was used to compare functional connectivity in younger (6-12 years) and older (18-29 years) male participants.
• Phase Lag Index and graph theory metrics were employed to analyze within- and between-network connectivity.
• Cortical network nodes were defined using prior rsfMRI and MRI morphometry data.

Main Results:

• Alpha-band power spectral density was comparable across age groups, indicating similar signal quality.
• Younger participants exhibited higher within-network connectivity in posterior dorsal regions (DVN, DMN) but reduced anterior connectivity for the VVN.
• Significant differences in alpha connectivity were observed in anterior dorsal/medial cortex, with lower connectivity in younger individuals.

Conclusions:

• Findings support an early maturation of posterior dorsal brain networks, consistent with prior human and primate neuroimaging studies.
• Reduced anterior VVN connectivity in younger participants suggests a protracted developmental timeline for this network.
• Alpha-band oscillatory connectivity serves as a valuable indicator of developmental changes in visual network maturation.