Structural Gradients of the Developing Brain Connectome

Motivation: While functional gradients are widely studied, the development of structural gradients —especially during the first five years, a period of major structural changes —remains largely unexplored. Goal(s): We aim to establish a method to derive structural gradients and track their development over time. Approach: We calculate the structural connectivity network using tractography and cortical microstructure features, then apply diffusion embedding to analyze network gradients. Results: The first three principal axes of the structural gradients resemble functional gradients but also reveal unique spatial patterns. Impact: For the first time at the vertex level, we map the development of neocortical structural gradients during the first five years of life, enabling fine-scale study of the functional-structural connectome relationship.