Modular Segregation of Structural Brain Networks Supports the Development of Executive Function in Youth

Graham L. Baum, Rastko Ciric, David R. Roalf, Richard F. Betzel, Tyler M. Moore, Russell T. Shinohara, Ari E. Kahn, Simon N. Vandekar, Petra E. Rupert, Megan Quarmley, Philip A. Cook, Mark A. Elliott, Kosha Ruparel, Raquel E. Gur, Ruben C. Gur, Danielle S. Bassett, Theodore D. Satterthwaite

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

254 Scopus citations

Abstract

The human brain is organized into large-scale functional modules that have been shown to evolve in childhood and adolescence. However, it remains unknown whether the underlying white matter architecture is similarly refined during development, potentially allowing for improvements in executive function. In a sample of 882 participants (ages 8–22) who underwent diffusion imaging as part of the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort, we demonstrate that structural network modules become more segregated with age, with weaker connections between modules and stronger connections within modules. Evolving modular topology facilitates global network efficiency and is driven by age-related strengthening of hub edges present both within and between modules. Critically, both modular segregation and network efficiency are associated with enhanced executive performance and mediate the improvement of executive functioning with age. Together, results delineate a process of structural network maturation that supports executive function in youth.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1561-1572.e8
JournalCurrent Biology
Volume27
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 5 2017
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • DTI
  • MRI
  • adolescence
  • brain
  • connectome
  • development
  • executive
  • module
  • network
  • tractography

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Modular Segregation of Structural Brain Networks Supports the Development of Executive Function in Youth'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this