Spatial and spectral trajectories in typical neurodevelopment from childhood to middle age.

Benjamin A E Hunt,Matthew J Brookes,Simeon M Wong,Benjamin T Dunkley,Margot J Taylor,Marlee M Vandewouw

doi:10.1162/netn_a_00077

Abstract

Detailed characterization of typical human neurodevelopment is key if we are to understand the nature of mental and neurological pathology. While research on the cellular processes of neurodevelopment has made great advances, in vivo human imaging is crucial to understand our uniquely human capabilities, as well as the pathologies that affect them. Using magnetoencephalography data in the largest normative sample currently available (324 participants aged 6–45 years), we assess the developmental trajectory of resting-state oscillatory power and functional connectivity from childhood to middle age. The maturational course of power, indicative of local processing, was found to both increase and decrease in a spectrally dependent fashion. Using the strength of phase-synchrony between parcellated regions, we found significant linear and nonlinear (quadratic and logarithmic) trajectories to be characterized in a spatially heterogeneous frequency-specific manner, such as a superior frontal region with linear and nonlinear trajectories in theta and gamma band respectively. Assessment of global efficiency revealed similar significant nonlinear trajectories across all frequency bands. Our results link with the development of human cognitive abilities; they also highlight the complexity of neurodevelopment and provide quantitative parameters for replication and a robust footing from which clinical research may map pathological deviations from these typical trajectories.

Highlights

Compared with other mammalian species, human neonates are relatively disadvantaged at birth
Oligodendrocyte-based development continues into adulthood, with cortical myelination continuing to increase until the third decade of life (Shafee, Buckner, & Fischl, 2015) and white matter volumes peaking in the fifth decade of life (Paus et al, 2001)
Resting-state MEG data were epoched into 10-s “trials” and an automated procedure was used to remove trials containing significant artefact or excessive head movement (>7 mm)

Summary

Introduction

Compared with other mammalian species, human neonates are relatively disadvantaged at birth. Characterizing typical developmental trajectories is key if we are to understand why some children develop pathology, such as mental disorders or neurological conditions, while others remain free from illness. While we have a rapidly increasing comprehension of neurodevelopment at a cellular level (e.g., Tau & Peterson, 2010), a more modest literature offers descriptions of human neurodevelopment derived from in vivo measurements. Understanding at this level is crucial, given that the symptomology of many disorders is reflected in the impairment of complex and uniquely human cognition and behavior. We characterize typical neurodevelopment using in vivo neurophysiology in a large normative cohort

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion