Personalized connectome fingerprints: Their importance in cognition from childhood to adult years

Neuroimage. 2020 Nov 1:221:117122. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117122. Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Abstract

Structural neural network architecture patterns in the human brain could be related to individual differences in phenotype, behavior, genetic determinants, and clinical outcomes from neuropsychiatric disorders. Recent studies have indicated that a personalized neural (brain) fingerprint can be identified from structural brain connectomes. However, the accuracy, reproducibility and translational potential of personalized fingerprints in terms of cognition is not yet fully determined. In this study, we introduce a dynamic connectome modeling approach to identify a critical set of white matter subnetworks that can be used as a personalized fingerprint. Several individual variable assessments were performed that demonstrate the accuracy and practicality of personalized fingerprint, specifically predicting the identity and IQ of middle age adults, and the developmental quotient in toddlers. Our findings suggest the fingerprint found by our dynamic modeling approach is sufficient for differentiation between individuals, and is also capable of predicting general intellectual ability across human development.

Keywords: Connectome fingerprinting; Developmental neuroscience; Network analysis; Neurological identity and function; Structural connectivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Female
  • Human Development / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Intelligence / physiology*
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Machine Learning*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Net / anatomy & histology*
  • Nerve Net / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuroimaging*
  • White Matter / anatomy & histology*
  • White Matter / diagnostic imaging
  • Young Adult