Development of Sensorimotor-Visual Connectome Gradient at Birth Predicts Cognitive Outcomes at 2 Years of Age

Abstract

AbstractFunctional connectome gradients represent fundamental brain organizing principles. Here, we investigate the maturation of the macroscopic connectome gradients in a task-free functional MRI dataset consisting of 39 preterm and term babies aged 31-42 postmenstrual weeks and its connection with postnatal cognitive growth. We show that the principal sensorimotor-to-visual gradient is present in baby connectomes around 35.6 postmenstrual weeks and continuously develops towards a more term-like pattern. The gradient’s global topographical structure undergoes progressive maturation with age, characterized by increases in explanation ratio, gradient range and gradient variation. The development of focal gradients is mostly localized in primary regions serving sensory, motor and visual functions. Machine learning approaches revealed that the connectome gradient at birth significantly predicts individual cognitive outcomes at 2-y follow-up. These findings highlight the early emerging rules of functional connectome gradients and have implications for understanding how the connectome gradients at birth underlies cognitive growth in later life.HighlightsSensorimotor-to-visual gradient is present around 35.6 postmenstrual weeksGlobal gradient structure undergoes substantial changes during the third trimesterRegional gradient develops mostly in primary sensory, motor, and visual regionsSensorimotor-to-visual gradient at birth predicts cognitive outcomes at age 2