Lily Qiu

eLife Assessment This study presents a valuable investigation into cell-specific microstructural development in the neonatal rat brain using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The evidence supporting the core claims is solid, with innovative in vivo data acquisition and modeling, noting residual caveats with regard to the limitations of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance spectroscopy for strict validation of cell-type-specific metabolite compartmentation.

Abstract It is currently impossible to non-invasively assess cerebellar cell structure during early development. Here we propose a novel approach to non-invasively and longitudinally track cell-specific development using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance spectroscopy in combination with microstructural modelling. Tracking metabolite diffusion allows us to probe cell-specific developmental trajectories in the cerebellum and thalamus of healthy rat neonates from post-natal day (P) 5 to P30.

Abstract The brain develops in a nonuniform manner, with local bursts of plasticity. In mammals, the cerebellum remains in a vulnerable developmental state longer than the neocortex, making it a potential hotspot for neurodevelopmental disorders. Cerebellar neurons, and more particularly Purkinje cells, have an altered morphology in forms of autism spectrum disorders or in Down syndrome. However, it is currently impossible to non-invasively assess cerebellar cell-structure during early development.