Functional brain networks emerge and dissipate over a primarily static anatomical foundation. The dynamic basis of these networks is inter-regional communication involving local and distal regions. It is assumed that inter-regional distances play a pivotal role in modulating network dynamics. Using three different neuroimaging modalities, 6 datasets were evaluated to determine whether experimental manipulations asymmetrically affect functional relationships based on the distance between brain regions in human participants. Contrary to previous assumptions, here we show that short- and long-range connections are equally likely to strengthen or weaken in response to task demands. Additionally, connections between homotopic areas are the most stable and less likely to change compared to any other type of connection. Our results point to a functional connectivity landscape characterized by fluid transitions between local specialization and global integration. This ability to mediate functional properties irrespective of spatial distance may engender a diverse repertoire of cognitive processes when faced with a dynamic environment.
Details
Title
The Functional Connectivity Landscape of the Human Brain
Author
Mišić, Bratislav : Baycrest Centre Fatima, Zainab : Rotman Research Institute Askren, Mary K. : University of Washington Buschkuehl, Martin : MIND Research Institute Churchill, Nathan : Baycrest Centre Cimprich, Bernadine : University of Michigan Deldin, Patricia J. : University of Michigan Jaeggi, Susanne : University of Michigan Jung, Misook : Chungnam University Korostil, Michele : Baycrest Centre Kross, Ethan : University of Michigan Krpan, Katherine M. : University of South Carolina Peltier, Scott : University of Michigan Reuter-Lorenz, Patricia A. : University of Michigan Strother, Stephen C. : Baycrest Centre Jonides, John : University of Michigan McIntosh, Anthony R. : Baycrest Centre Berman, Marc G. : University of Chicago
Data availability statement
The authors confirm that all data underlying the findings are fully available without restriction. All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.
Funding Information
Tom and Kitty Stoner Foundation National Institutes of Mental Health, MH 60655 National Institutes of Health, NIH-NINR-R01-NRO10939
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.