Modular segregation drives causality of the dynamic oscillatory network responses during threat processing

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience

Background:

• Synchronized neural oscillations link cerebral networks during threat and stress.
• Network architecture is vital for optimal physiological responses; alterations can cause mental dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate dynamic network alterations during threat processing.
• Determine the causal role of network dynamics in physiological threat responses.
• Examine theta and alpha band oscillations' influence on network connectivity.

Main Methods:

• Reconstructed cortical and sub-cortical source time series from high-density electroencephalography (EEG).
• Applied community architecture analysis to evaluate network flexibility, clustering coefficient, and efficiency.
• Utilized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and computed effective connectivity.

Main Results:

• Theta band oscillations drove community re-organization in central executive, salience, and default mode networks during threat processing.
• Increased network flexibility correlated with physiological threat responses.
• Effective connectivity analysis revealed theta and alpha band differences modulated by TMS in salience and default mode networks.

Conclusions:

• Theta oscillations are key drivers of dynamic community network re-organization during threat processing.
• Nodal community switches may direct information flow, impacting physiological responses and mental health.
• Network dynamics and flexibility are critical for adaptive threat processing and mental well-being.