DTI-based assessment of disease progression in a mouse model of white matter stroke

Motivation: Lesions caused by white matter strokes are a significant contributor to neurodegeneration. Goal(s): To study the mechanisms leading to pathology, and to develop therapies to treat or prevent white matter stroke, animal models and suitable biomarkers are needed. Approach: Here, we used T2 weighted MRI and DTI to measure lesion progression in a mouse model of induced white matter stroke longitudinally for 4 months. Results: We were able to measure persistent, differential changes in DTI parameters in white matter lesions longitudinally, allowing for correlation with ex vivo spatial transcriptomic data. Impact: Characterization of MRI biomarkers of progression of white matter lesions combined with insight into cellular processes by spatial transcriptomics in this mouse model will allow for better evaluation of treatment candidates for white matter stroke and vascular dementia.