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Richness in Functional Connectivity Depends on the Neuronal Integrity within the Posterior Cingulate Cortex
Anton R Lord1,2,3, Meng Li2,4, Liliana R Demenescu1,2
1Department of Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz Institute for NeurobiologyMagdeburg, Germany.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|April 26, 2017
Summary
The brain's functional rich club, a network of highly connected regions, is influenced by neuronal integrity and cortical thickness in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). These factors impact whole-brain functional integration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Brain Connectivity
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- The brain exhibits a 'rich club' organization in structural networks, with evidence suggesting a functional counterpart.
- This rich club facilitates inter-network communication, featuring hub regions like the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how neuronal integrity and cortical thickness influence the functional rich club coefficient (fRCC).
- To explore the relationship between metabolic signatures, cortical structure, and functional brain integration.
Main Methods:
- Functional connectivity was assessed using resting-state fMRI in 48 healthy adults.
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy measured N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) in the PCC.
- Functional rich club estimation and correlation analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- A significant quadratic relationship was found between fRCC and PCC NAA concentration.
- Cortical thinning in the PCC correlated with a reduced fRCC, independent of age and NAA.
- N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) in the PCC showed a significant correlation with age.
Conclusions:
- The functional rich club coefficient (fRCC) is associated with neuronal integrity markers in the PCC.
- Cortical thinning in the PCC also impacts the fRCC.
- Both structural and metabolic factors in hub regions influence whole-brain functional integration.
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