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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Design, Surface Treatment, Cellular Plating, and Culturing of Modular Neuronal Networks Composed of Functionally Inter-connected Circuits
Published on: April 15, 2015
Emergence of Modular Structure in a Large-Scale Brain Network with Interactions between Dynamics and Connectivity
Cornelis J Stam1, Arjan Hillebrand, Huijuan Wang
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology and Magnetoencephalography Center, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Brain network modularity emerges from the interaction of synchronization-dependent plasticity and growth-dependent plasticity. This model explains how complex brain network features develop and respond to lesions.
Area of Science:
- Computational Neuroscience
- Network Science
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Brain networks exhibit complex features like modularity, crucial for function.
- Understanding the developmental mechanisms of network organization is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model how network dynamics and connectivity interact to generate complex network features, specifically modularity.
- To investigate the roles of synchronization-dependent plasticity (SDP) and growth-dependent plasticity (GDP) in network evolution.
Main Methods:
- A computational model of 32 or 64 connected neural masses was developed.
- Network evolution was simulated using synchronization-dependent plasticity (SDP) and growth-dependent plasticity (GDP).
- The impact of lesioning on network structure was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Growth-dependent plasticity alone yielded small-world networks with weak modularity.
- Synchronization-dependent plasticity alone induced clustering but not clear modules.
- Combined SDP and GDP resulted in significant modularity, dependent on process strength and network size.
- Lesioning temporarily disrupted network structure.
Conclusions:
- The interaction between SDP and GDP is a key mechanism for the emergence of modularity in developing brain networks.
- The model predicts network changes during development and after acute lesions.
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