Defining Targeted Projection Patterns in Thalamus Using Diffusion Weighted Imaging

Abstract

Thalamo-cortical dysfunction is a prominent feature of neurodevelopmental disorders. White matter projections from cortex have historically been thought to target thalamic nuclei discreetly and homogeneously. However, emerging evidence from non-human primate studies indicate that topographic gradients may exist. This evidence highlights an incomplete mapping of cortico-thalamic circuit heterogeneity in humans, which may inform disease-related white matter alterations that in turn impact functional patterns. The goal of this study was to test if distinct cortico-thalamic projection patterns exist across distinct cortical areas and large-scale networks.