Project Summary/Abstract
This Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) will facilitate my transition to an independent scientist who
conducts innovative research on the development of face processing abilities in infancy. The apparently
effortless ability to recognize faces belies the complexity of this task. The activities described in this proposal
are aimed at addressing the structure-function coupling underlying the distributed network of face-sensitive
areas by characterizing the white matter (WM) fiber tracts connecting functionally activated regions during
the processing of faces. Such an approach has been previously implemented with adults investigating the
pattern of fMRI activation in response to faces. Source analysis of high-density scalp electroencephalography
(EEG) recordings is an optimal means to examine brain activity in infancy. Therefore, I propose to investigate
the structure-function relationship between source cortical activity of the early low-level stage of holistic face
perception and structural encoding of faces in adults and 12-month-old infants. To better understand the WM
connectivity profile within this network, I will define macro- and micro-structural properties (i.e., total volume
of fiber bundles, fractional anisotropy – FA, axial and radial diffusivity, and fiber density) of the WM tracts
using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography. Further, I will extend this investigation to younger infants
to track the developmental changes in face-processing during the first year of life. As a secondary aim, I will
explore structural-functional relations in infants at high familial risk for autism. I propose training and research
during the mentored phase (K99) to extend my knowledge and skills in: (1) source localization of EEG activity
using advanced source analysis methods and accurate head models; (2) DTI data acquisition and fiber tract
reconstruction; and (3) learning tools for conducting research with high-risk infants. The knowledge and skills
gained in the mentored phase, as well as the results of the mentored research, will be instrumental to
achieving the aims of the independent phase (R00). These specific aims are: (1) track the development of
structural brain changes and functional responses to faces in the first year of life to better understand typical
and atypical trajectories of the face network; and (2) extend the investigation to other important aspects of
face-processing, such as the discrimination of facial identities. I will track structural and functional changes
in the processing of faces in infants at 6, 9, and 12 months. This approach will allow us to shed light on the
sensitive periods in face perception occurring during the second half of the first year of life. Further, the
multimodal approach to define structural-functional development will be implemented to investigate the
dynamics of the adaptation effect to individual face perception in infants. My mentorship team is uniquely
poised to assist and promote my training and research goals, and to ensure a successful transition to my
independent research program.
