Strength of default mode resting-state connectivity relates to white matter integrity in children

Evan M. Gordon, Philip S. Lee, Jose M. Maisog, Jennifer Foss-Feig, Michael E. Billington, John Vanmeter, Chandan J. Vaidya

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

A default mode network of brain regions is known to demonstrate coordinated activity during the resting state. While the default mode network is well characterized in adults, few investigations have focused upon its development. We scanned 9-13-year-old children with diffusion tensor imaging and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We identified resting-state networks using Independent Component Analysis and tested whether the functional connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) depends upon the maturation of the underlying cingulum white matter tract. To determine the generalizability of this relationship, we also tested whether functional connectivity depends on white matter maturity between bilateral lateral prefrontal cortex (lateral PFC) within the executive control network. We found a positive relationship between mPFC-PCC connectivity and fractional anisotropy of the cingulum bundle; this positive relationship was moderated by the age of the subjects such that it was stronger in older children. By contrast, no such structure-function relationship emerged between right and left lateral PFC. However, functional and structural connectivity of this tract related positively with cognitive speed, fluency, and set-switching neuropsychological measures.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)738-751
Number of pages14
JournalDevelopmental Science
Volume14
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2011
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Strength of default mode resting-state connectivity relates to white matter integrity in children'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this