Developmental Changes in Organization of Structural Brain Networks

TLDR

Developmental neuroimaging suggests that cognitive enhancement may result from fine‑tuning of structural and functional brain organization, yet the trajectory of large‑scale structural networks remains unclear. The study aimed to examine how structural brain network organization changes across development in 203 normally growing children and adolescents. Using graph theory, the authors constructed cortical‑thickness correlation networks for four age groups (early childhood, late childhood, early adolescence, late adolescence) to assess topological properties. Late childhood showed a shift toward a more random network topology, with reduced local efficiency and modularity, increased global efficiency, expanded connector hubs, early maturation of sensorimotor regions, and continued development of higher‑order association and paralimbic areas, indicating a critical plasticity window before puberty.

Abstract

Recent findings from developmental neuroimaging studies suggest that the enhancement of cognitive processes during development may be the result of a fine-tuning of the structural and functional organization of brain with maturation. However, the details regarding the developmental trajectory of large-scale structural brain networks are not yet understood. Here, we used graph theory to examine developmental changes in the organization of structural brain networks in 203 normally growing children and adolescents. Structural brain networks were constructed using interregional correlations in cortical thickness for 4 age groups (early childhood: 4.8–8.4 year; late childhood: 8.5–11.3 year; early adolescence: 11.4–14.7 year; late adolescence: 14.8–18.3 year). Late childhood showed prominent changes in topological properties, specifically a significant reduction in local efficiency, modularity, and increased global efficiency, suggesting a shift of topological organization toward a more random configuration. An increase in number and span of distribution of connector hubs was found in this age group. Finally, inter-regional connectivity analysis and graph-theoretic measures indicated early maturation of primary sensorimotor regions and protracted development of higher order association and paralimbic regions. Our finding reveals a time window of plasticity occurring during late childhood which may accommodate crucial changes during puberty and the new developmental tasks that an adolescent faces.