Myelo- and irono-architecture of the in vivo human brain using AI-powered advanced susceptibility imaging at ultra-high field

• Applicants: Professorin Nicola Palomero-Gallagher, Ph.D.; Professor Nadim Jon Shah, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology ; Anatomy and Physiology ; Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 552996266

Objectives:The proposed joint research aims to obtain in vivo cortical distributions of myelin and iron (i.e., myeloarchitecture and ironoarchitecture, respectively) complementing cytoarchitecture, by utilizing a 7T MRI system and deep learning-based advanced susceptibility imaging. The high-resolution imaging of detailed cortical laminar structure is expected to enable in vivo parcellation of the human brain, which is currently only feasible in ex vivo brains using histology. Furthermore, through the international joint research, we will be able to build a global network that supports ongoing academic communications. Research Contents and Methodologies: For the investigation of in vivo myeloarchitecture and ironoarchitecture, we plan to utilize χ-separation, a recently developed susceptibility imaging method. χ-separation has been demonstrated to generate images which reflect the iron and myelin distribution in the human brain. Our main research aim is to develop an imaging method based on χ-separation for obtaining highresolution high-quality image of myeloarchitecture and ironoarchitecture of the living brain. The planned research consists of three parts, which are data acquisition, data processing, and data validation. In the data acquisition, a 7T MRI system along with advanced acquisition techniques will be utilized for acquiring high-quality high-resolution images. In data processing, advanced processing techniques including deep learning-based high-quality image reconstruction will be utilized for processing high-resolution images. In data validation, in vivo and ex vivo MRI images will be compared to histology images to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. For performing these research contents, an international collaboration of experts in various fields, including neuroimage acquisition (Prof. N. Jon Shah), neuroimage processing (Prof. Jongho Lee), and validation (Prof. Nicola Palomero-Gallagher), is planned. The final goal will be achieved by close collaborations between the teams. Expected Research Outputs:Through this international joint research blending complementary expertise, it is expected to develop advanced susceptibility imaging methodologies for imaging in vivo high-resolution myeloarchitecture and ironoarchitecture. This imaging methodology is expected to become a technique for in vivo cortical parcellation of the human brain, which has been a holy Grail of neuroscience for over a century. Furthermore, our collaboration will lead to a global network with ongoing academic communications. This initiative will enhance the skills and knowledge of researchers and students from each country, offering them valuable experience regarding international research and culture. This will lead to cultivating global awareness and leadership.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: South Korea
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Jong-Ho Lee, Ph.D.