# Atypical Formation of Fiber Pathways and Cortical Folding in the Brain

> **NIH NIH R01** · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · 2020 · $479,452

## Abstract

Abstract
Emerging brain pathways and morphology are linked in typical and atypical brain development, and such
changes can be 3-dimensionally imaged by MRI with our technique. The development of cortical convolutions,
gyri and sulci, is a complex process that typically takes place during prenatal development. Despite numerous
theories, neurogenic processes that cause the appearance of gyri/sulci and its relationships to underlying fiber
pathways remain unknown. Lissencephaly (LIS), a rare neurological condition characterized by the lack of
cortical convolutions, offers a great model to look into the biological processes that lead to the development of
gyri and sulci. On the other hand, agenesis of the corpus callosum (AgCC) is another neurological disorder that
is characterized by a partial or complete absence (agenesis) of the corpus callosum which connects the two
cerebral hemispheres. These two developmental neurological disorders are great models to study
spatiotemporal links between atypical formation of fibers and gyri/sulci, because LIS has obvious gyral
malformations but their relationships to underlying fiber pathways are still elusive, while AgCC has obvious
abnormal fiber pathways but their relationships to gyral structures are still elusive. Through our recent
investigations, we observed that both LIS patients and AgCC patients had significantly smaller gyrification index
(GI) compared to age/sex-matched controls. In addition, in patients with LIS, spatiotemporal distribution of
projection pathways was preserved but short- to medium-length cortico-cortical association pathways were
absent or few in number, while patients with AgCC had significantly smaller cortical surface area compared to
controls. These observations are in line with suggested relationships between fiber pathways and cortical
folding/surface morphology. However, more details of fiber/gyral development in these and other developmental
disorders are still elusive. In this R01, built on a previous R03, we will utilize our technique to study detailed links
of fiber pathways and gyral formation in LIS and AgCC ranging from newborn to young adult stages.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9964933
- **Project number:** 5R01NS109475-02
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Emi Takahashi (Oki)
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $479,452
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-07-01 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9964933

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9964933, Atypical Formation of Fiber Pathways and Cortical Folding in the Brain (5R01NS109475-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9964933. Licensed CC0.

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