Open AccessA diffusion MRI-based spatiotemporal continuum of the embryonic mouse brain for probing gene–neuroanatomy connections
Author(s) -
Dan Wu,
Linda J. Richards,
Zhiyong Zhao,
Zuozhen Cao,
Wanrong Luo,
Wei Shao,
Song-Hai Shi,
Michael I. Miller,
Susumu Mori,
Seth Blackshaw,
Jiangyang Zhang
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2111869119
Subject(s) - neuroanatomy , neuroscience , biology , embryonic stem cell , brain development , gene regulatory network , gene expression , gene , genetics
Significance We established an ultra high-resolution diffusion MRI atlas of the embryonic mouse brains from E10.5 to E15.5, which characterizes the continuous changes of brain morphology and microstructures at mesoscopic scale. By integrating gene-expression data into the spatiotemporal continuum, we can navigate the evolving landscape of gene expression and neuroanatomy across both spatial and temporal dimensions to visualize their interactions in normal and abnormal embryonic brain development. We also identified regional clusters with distinct developmental trajectories and identified gene-expression profiles that matched to these regional domains. The diffusion MRI–based continuum of the embryonic brain and the computational techniques presented in this study offer a valuable tool for systematic study of the genetic control of brain development.