Abstract #1037

Increased BOLD variability is accompanied by changes in tissue microstructure and upregulation of gliogenesis in the preterm infant cortex

Joana Sa de Almeida^1,2,3, Andrew Boehringer¹, Serafeim Loukas¹, Elda Fischi⁴, Annemijn Van Der Veek¹, Lara Lordier¹, Sebastien Courvoisier⁵, François Lazeyras⁶, Dimitri Van De Ville⁷, Gareth Ball^2,8, and Petra S. Hüppi¹

¹Division of Development and Growth, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland, ²Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia, ³Victorian Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia, ⁴Centre for Biomedical Imaging (CIBM), SP CHUV-EPFL Section, Lausanne, Switzerland, ⁵University of Geneva, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland, ⁶Center of BioMedical Imaging (CIBM), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland, ⁷Neuro-X Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland, ⁸Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

Synopsis

Keywords: Neonatal, Neonatal, BOLD variability, SMT, DKI, Genetics, Preterm birth

Motivation: BOLD signal variability structural and biological correlates during early brain development remain largely unknown.

Goal(s): Investigate how BOLD variability changes during preterm infants’ early development, its alignment with cortical microstructural maturation, gene expression patterns, and the impact of preterm birth.

Approach: MRI was acquired longitudinally in 54 very preterm infants at 33- and 40-weeks, and in 19 full-term newborns. Regional BOLD variability and cortical diffusivities were calculated. Gene expression was evaluated using BrainSpan dataset.

Results: Increased BOLD variability during preterm development is associated with cortical maturation and upregulation of genes involved in gliogenesis, with preterm birth negatively impacting maturation compared to full-term birth.

Impact: Preterm birth disrupts cortical BOLD variability and microstructure by term-equivalent-age. During preterm infants’ neurodevelopment, an increase in cortical BOLD variability reflects ongoing changes to tissue microstructure and an upregulation of genes mediating gliogenesis, identifying putative mechanisms for preterm brain injury.

How to access this content:

For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.

After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.

After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.

Click here for more information on becoming a member.