Common coordinate framework of developmental macaque brain from birth to early childhood based on ultra-high-resolution diffusion MRI

Motivation: Macaque brain structures undergo significant changes from birth through adulthood. However, there are no age-specific macaque brain common coordinate frameworks (CCFs) serving as neuroanatomical references for mapping genetic, cellular, and molecular information. Goal(s): To establish ultra-high-resolution CCFs for macaque brain at birth and early childhood (10-months). Approach: We acquired ultra-high resolution diffusion MRI (dMRI) of neonate and early-childhood macaque brains and delineated whole-brain neuroanatomical structures. We also investigated macaque white matter tract maturation through dMRI-based tractography. Results: The established neonate and early childhood macaque brain CCFs feature 0.2mm isotropic ultra-high diffusion imaging resolution, comprehensive gray and white matter labels, and a coordinate framework. Impact: These first age-specific developmental macaque brain CCFs, featuring 0.2mm isotropic ultra-high-resolution diffusion imaging, serve as neuroanatomical references. They facilitate the mapping of genetic, cellular, and molecular data and offer image templates, establishing foundations for discoveries in brain development and evolution.