Identifying topological motif patterns of human brain functional networks

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Network Science
• Systems Biology

Background:

• Human functional brain networks exhibit efficient small-world topology with modules and hubs.
• Underlying information flow patterns, represented by functional motifs, are largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate motif patterns within directed human functional brain networks.
• To understand the information flow mechanisms in intrinsic brain activities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of directed human functional brain networks derived from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data.
• Controlled for confounding hemodynamic latencies.
• Identified significantly recurring motifs, including two-node reciprocal and five classes of three-node motifs.

Main Results:

• Several significantly recurring motifs were identified in the human functional brain network.
• These motifs exhibited distinct distribution patterns supporting intra- and inter-module connectivity.
• Functional hubs showed significant participation in recurring motifs, highlighting their role in global integration.

Conclusions:

• Recurring motifs are fundamental to the organization of brain networks.
• These motifs facilitate both integration and segregation in network organization.
• Findings provide insights into the information flow mechanisms underlying intrinsic brain activities.