Neural signatures of autism spectrum disorders: insights into brain network dynamics

Leanna M Hernandez; Jeffrey D Rudie; Shulamite A Green; Susan Bookheimer; Mirella Dapretto

doi:10.1038/npp.2014.172

Neural signatures of autism spectrum disorders: insights into brain network dynamics

Neuropsychopharmacology. 2015 Jan;40(1):171-89. doi: 10.1038/npp.2014.172. Epub 2014 Jul 11.

Authors

Leanna M Hernandez¹, Jeffrey D Rudie², Shulamite A Green³, Susan Bookheimer⁴, Mirella Dapretto⁵

Affiliations

¹ 1] Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [3] Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
² 1] Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
³ 1] Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [3] Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
⁴ 1] Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [3] Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
⁵ 1] Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Abstract

Neuroimaging investigations of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have advanced our understanding of atypical brain function and structure, and have recently converged on a model of altered network-level connectivity. Traditional task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and volume-based structural MRI studies have identified widespread atypicalities in brain regions involved in social behavior and other core ASD-related behavioral deficits. More recent advances in MR-neuroimaging methods allow for quantification of brain connectivity using diffusion tensor imaging, functional connectivity, and graph theoretic methods. These newer techniques have moved the field toward a systems-level understanding of ASD etiology, integrating functional and structural measures across distal brain regions. Neuroimaging findings in ASD as a whole have been mixed and at times contradictory, likely due to the vast genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity characteristic of the disorder. Future longitudinal studies of brain development will be crucial to yield insights into mechanisms of disease etiology in ASD sub-populations. Advances in neuroimaging methods and large-scale collaborations will also allow for an integrated approach linking neuroimaging, genetics, and phenotypic data.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Brain / metabolism
Brain / pathology*
Brain Mapping / methods*
Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis*
Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / metabolism
Diffusion Tensor Imaging / methods
Humans
Nerve Net / metabolism
Nerve Net / pathology*

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding