MEBRAINS 1.0

MEBRAINS 1.0 provides a population-based macaque brain atlas that integrates multimodal multiscale macaque neuroimaging data to advance neuroscience research.

Key Features:

• Multi-subject averaging: Combines T1 and T2 images from 10 Macaca mulatta animals using the multi-brain toolbox for diffeomorphic registration and segmentation.
• Multimodal templates: Generates volumetric T1 and T2 templates supplemented with white and gray matter surfaces built with FreeSurfer.
• Human-curated segmentations: Includes segmentations of pial surface, the white/gray matter interface, and major subcortical nuclei.
• CT co-registration: Incorporates 9 computed tomography scans registered to T1 modality and co-registered to the template.
• Traditional and deep learning-based segmentations: Supports multiple segmentation approaches for flexible data analysis.
• Surface parcellation: Populated with 3D maps of the macaque inferior parietal lobe, (pre)motor and prefrontal cortex based on cyto- and receptor architectonic analyses.

Scientific Applications:

• Multimodal data integration: Improves integration of multimodal multi-scale macaque data for advanced neuroscience research.
• Comparative template evaluation: Provides a quantitatively equal or superior alternative to currently widely used macaque templates.
• Cross-species neuroscience: Facilitates translational research by enabling standardized macaque brain analysis comparable to human brain atlas frameworks.

Methodology:

The multi-brain toolbox performs diffeomorphic registration and segmentation of T1 and T2 images from 10 animals. FreeSurfer constructs white and gray matter surfaces. Human-curated segmentations of pial surface, white/gray matter interface, and major subcortical nuclei assess template quality. CT scans are registered to T1 and co-registered to the template. Recently published 3D maps are warped to the MEBRAINS surface template.