Robust and precise imaging of infant brain development with magneticresonance imaging

/Abstract: This research proposal aims to develop advanced in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies for studying infant brain development. The objective is to achieve motion-robust, high-resolution (600µm isotropic) whole-brain quantitative MRI (qMRI) and diffusion MRI (dMRI) within a clinically feasible scan time. By improving image resolution and quality, we can better understand the microstructural changes in cortex and superficial white matter during infancy. Specifically, the development of myelin, a crucial indicator of brain development, will be assessed using qMRI and dMRI techniques such as myelin water fraction mapping (MWF), longitudinal relaxation time T1, transverse relaxation time T2, mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA). These techniques provide valuable information about tissue properties, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of early brain development. Increasing the spatial resolution of qMRI and dMRI is crucial for accurately studying myelination and tracking developmental trajectories. However, current image resolutions in large-scale clinical and research studies typically range from 1.0 to 2.0mm, leading to partial volume effects and potential inaccuracies in assessing myelin content. Overcoming challenges such as long scan times, motion sensitivity, and decreased signal-to-noise ratio is essential for increasing image resolution in infant brain development studies. To address these challenges, this grant proposes three specific aims. Aim 1 focuses on developing acquisition and reconstruction strategies for 600µm whole-brain multi-parametric qMRI. This includes the use of our proposed ViSTa-MRF sequence for simultaneous MWF, T1, and T2 mapping, as well as motion-robust subspace reconstruction for improved identification of myelin components. Aim 2 aims to develop acquisition and reconstruction strategies for high-fidelity whole-brain mesoscale dMRI, incorporating techniques such as simultaneous multi-slab gSlider encoding and blipped-up/-down circular-EPI acquisition. Motion-robust dMRI approaches will also be developed to mitigate head motion and correct image distortions. Aim 3 involves translating the developed qMRI and dMRI techniques for infant brain development by establishing a protocol using a home-built baby coil and validating the techniques through ex-vivo and in-vivo measurements. Longitudinal assessment of the visual cortex and superficial white matter will be conducted to validate developmental variations, explore the association between microstructural development and tissue proliferation, and investigate myelination and U-fibers. Overall, this proposal leverages expertise in MRI technology development, data acquisition, reconstruction, and analysis to advance our understanding of infant brain development. By enhancing the capabilities of qMRI and dMRI, we can gain valuable insights into the intricate processes of early brain development. Project Number: 7R01HD114719-02 | Fiscal Year: 2025 | NIH Institute/Center: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) | Principal Investigator: Congyu Liao | Institution: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO, CA | Award Amount: $546,365 | Activity Code: R01 | Study Section: Emerging Imaging Technologies in Neuroscience Study Section[EITN] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/7R01HD11471902