用4.9万例脑影像训练通用脑结构表征,提升模型效率与泛化能力
GenFAR: A generalized representation of brain structure, derived from 49,246 multi-cohort MRIs via deep learning

- 通过11个队列的多任务学习,构建可迁移的脑影像通用表征
- 在5000种任务序列中找到最优6步顺序,识别出5个关键基础任务
- 新表征能显著提升下游任务的样本效率和准确率,适合医学研究者使用
神经影像深度学习模型通常针对单一任务设计,限制了知识迁移。本文提出GenFAR,一种模块化深度学习框架,基于49,246名个体、11个队列的脑部MRI数据,在17项涵盖认知、临床、诊断、人口统计与生物标志物的分类与回归任务上进行训练。该框架通过渐进式学习策略,逐步构建表示。对5,000种任务序列的分析确定了最优六任务序列,并引入捐赠者评分(Donor Score)量化各任务对下游性能的贡献。结果显示,年龄、阿尔茨海默病/轻度认知障碍(AD/MCI)、MMSE、高血压、高脂血症这五项任务表现稳定且关键,构成模型基础。所学特征在训练集外任务中展现良好泛化性,可作为专用二级预测器的基础。进一步验证,使用该特征表示能显著提升次级深度学习任务的样本效率与精度。
原文摘要 · Abstract (English)
Deep learning models for neuroimaging have largely been developed for individual tasks, limiting knowledge transfer across applications. Here we introduce GenFAR, a modular deep learning framework that learns general, clinically informed features from brain MRIs. We trained this modular architecture on 49,246 individuals across 11 cohorts, using 17 diverse classification and regression tasks spanning cognition, clinical, diagnosis, demographics, and biomarkers. This yields aggregated, focused feature sets that capture rich, clinically- and biologically-relevant brain representations. We developed a sequential learning approach where tasks progressively build on previously learned representations. Through an analysis of 5,000 task sequences, we identified an optimal sequence length of six tasks and introduced a Donor Score metric to quantify each task's contribution to downstream performance. This analysis revealed five consistently strong donor tasks (Age, AD/MCI, MMSE, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia) that formed the base of our sequential model. We demonstrated the utility of our learned representation, in various tasks beyond those included in the training set, to serve as the foundation for specialized secondary predictors. We further showed that using the learned feature representation can substantially increase the sample efficiency of secondary deep learning training tasks and models, as well as improve their accuracy.
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