GUWAHATI: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have unveiled a novel algorithm aimed at deciphering intricate brain networks in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Termed Unique Brain Network Identification Number (UBNIN), it offers a unique numerical representation of brain networks based on structural MRI scans.
The UBNIN algorithm, developed by experts at IIT Guwahati’s Neural Engineering Lab in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), is poised to revolutionise the understanding and management of PD and other neurological disorders.
Dr Cota Navin Gupta, Assistant Professor at IIT Guwahati’s Neural Engineering Lab, explained, “UBNIN represents the unique characteristics of each human brain network, offering efficient encoding and decoding capabilities. This algorithm enables the identification and characterisation of brain networks, laying the foundation for advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies.”
The study, which analysed structural brain MRI scans of 180 PD patients and 70 healthy individuals, employed a network perspective, representing different brain regions as nodes and establishing connection values based on regional grey matter volume.
By weighting connection values for each node, the algorithm generated a distinct numerical representation (UBNIN) for individual brain networks, applicable across various neuroimaging modalities.
PhD Scholar Tanmayee Samantaray highlighted the potential of UBNIN in explaining the dynamics of brain plasticity over time.
She highlighted its role in understanding how the human brain degenerates and copes with damage due to neurological diseases.
The UBNIN algorithm not only makes MRI data interpretable but also holds promise for transforming neurodegenerative disorder diagnosis and treatment.
It serves as a potential biomarker to complement existing diagnostic tests recommended by neurologists, with applications ranging from brain printing to optimising storage for MRI brain networks.
Dr Gupta also revealed plans to explore UBNIN’s potential as a biomarker for distinguishing healthy individuals from those with Parkinson’s disease at the group level.
The research, published in the journal Brain Sciences, was co-authored by Samantaray, Utsav Gupta, Dr Jitender Saini, and Dr Gupta.
It received funding from the Ministry of Education (MoE) and support from the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC Grant).
