# Mapping human brain perivascular space in lifespan using human connectome project data

> **NIH NIH RF1** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2020 · $1,336,500

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Perivascular spaces are a critical component of the glia-lymphatic circuit, facilitating the clearance of soluble
waste. The role of perivascular spaces and changes in the brain’s clearance system in normal development,
aging, and cognition is not fully understood, mainly due to lack of neuroimaging capabilities. However,
noninvasive in vivo mapping of the perivascular space fluid with high accuracy and reliability is now made
possible with our recent analytical developments, using human connectome project (HCP) data. The objective
of this project is to map structural and diffusion features of perivascular space fluid across lifespan. PVS features
include PVS presence (e.g., count and volume fraction) and diffusion (e.g., diffusivity and anisotropy). These
features will be extracted regionally and globally across the brain. Structural MRI will provide information
regarding localization and extent of the PVS and diffusion MRI will be used to investigate biophysical properties
of the PVS fluid and surrounding tissue. The central hypothesis is that the perivascular space fluid increases
across lifespan. We also hypothesize that individual differences exist in perivascular spaces as a function of
demographic, general health and lifestyle health choices, such as body mass index, blood pressure, tobacco
use and sleep quality. The central hypothesis will be tested by characterizing the normative map of the
perivascular space fluid across the lifespan and in relation to various demographic, cognitive measures, and
health factors. We will also examine whether subjects neuro-behavioral performances can be predicted by
perivascular space features. We will pursue these aims by applying innovative MRI-based computational
techniques that we recently developed and optimized on HCP data. We will also use Adolescent Brain Cognitive
Development (ABCD) Studies to build first normative template of PVS in neurodevelopment. Together, our
findings will ultimately allow for a better understanding of the human brain clearance system, and our shared
perivascular space mapping workflow can provide a resource for researchers to study a wide range of
neurological conditions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10012731
- **Project number:** 1RF1MH123223-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Jeiran Choupan
- **Activity code:** RF1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,336,500
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-08-01 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10012731

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10012731, Mapping human brain perivascular space in lifespan using human connectome project data (1RF1MH123223-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10012731. Licensed CC0.

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