Sebenius Isaac, Dorfschmidt Lena, Seidlitz Jakob, Alexander-Bloch Aaron, Morgan Sarah E, Bullmore Edward
Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Nat Rev Neurosci. 2025 Jan;26(1):42-59. doi: 10.1038/s41583-024-00882-2. Epub 2024 Nov 28.
Recent advances in structural MRI analytics now allow the network organization of individual brains to be comprehensively mapped through the use of the biologically principled metric of anatomical similarity. In this Review, we offer an overview of the measurement and meaning of structural MRI similarity, especially in relation to two key assumptions that often underlie its interpretation: (i) that MRI similarity can be representative of architectonic similarity between cortical areas and (ii) that similar areas are more likely to be axonally connected, as predicted by the homophily principle. We first introduce the historical roots and technical foundations of MRI similarity analysis and compare it with the distinct MRI techniques of structural covariance and tractography analysis. We contextualize this empirical work with two generative models of homophilic networks: an economic model of cost-constrained connectional homophily and a heterochronic model of ontogenetically phased cortical maturation. We then review (i) studies of the genetic and transcriptional architecture of MRI similarity in population-averaged and disorder-specific contexts and (ii) developmental studies of normative cohorts and clinical studies of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we prioritize knowledge gaps that must be addressed to consolidate structural MRI similarity as an accessible, valid marker of the architecture and connectivity of an individual brain network.
近年来，结构磁共振成像（MRI）分析技术取得了长足进展，现在可以通过使用基于生物学原理的解剖相似性指标，全面绘制个体大脑的网络组织图。在本综述中，我们概述了结构MRI相似性的测量方法及其意义，特别是与通常作为其解释基础的两个关键假设相关的方面：（i）MRI相似性可以代表皮质区域之间的结构相似性；（ii）正如同配原则所预测的，相似区域更有可能通过轴突连接。我们首先介绍MRI相似性分析的历史根源和技术基础，并将其与结构协方差和纤维束成像分析等不同的MRI技术进行比较。我们将这项实证研究与同配网络的两种生成模型相结合：一种是成本受限连接同配的经济模型，另一种是个体发育阶段皮质成熟的异时模型。然后，我们回顾了（i）在群体平均和疾病特异性背景下对MRI相似性的遗传和转录结构的研究，以及（ii）正常队列的发育研究和神经发育及神经退行性疾病的临床研究。最后，我们确定了必须解决的知识空白，以巩固结构MRI相似性作为个体脑网络结构和连通性的一种可获取、有效的标志物。
