Integrating Region- and Network-level Contributions to Episodic Recollection Using Multilevel Structural Equation...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Brain Networks

Background:

• The brain relies on interacting networks for higher-order cognition.
• A core network, the posterior medial (PM) network, is linked to episodic memory and recollection.
• Previous studies focused on individual regions or network integration, leaving region-network relationships unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional organization of the posterior medial (PM) network.
• To examine how regional and network-level contributions relate to episodic memory.
• To understand functional heterogeneity within the PM network.

Main Methods:

• Multilevel structural equation modeling was employed.
• Functional organization was analyzed by examining subnetworks within the PM network.
• Regionally specific contributions were assessed while controlling for network effects.

Main Results:

• The PM network comprises distinct ventral and dorsal subnetworks.
• The ventral subnetwork showed a unique role in recollection, especially for spatial information.
• Network-level effects adequately explained memory-related activity in individual brain regions.

Conclusions:

• The PM network exhibits functional heterogeneity with distinct subnetworks.
• Understanding regional functions requires considering their network context.
• This study clarifies the interplay between regional and network contributions to episodic memory.