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New functional insights from the monkey claustrum
Andreas B Wulff1, Brian N Mathur1,2,3,4
1Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
National Science Review
|August 13, 2026
Summary
A new study on macaque claustrum reveals expanded, lateralized connectivity and functional sub-domains, bridging rodent and human brain research. This finding offers new insights into the claustrum's role in cognition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Comparative Anatomy
- Connectomics
Background:
- The claustrum, a subcortical nucleus, has widespread connections, yet its function remains debated.
- Rodent studies provide foundational knowledge, but human studies reveal discrepancies, particularly in connectivity.
- Gaps exist in understanding claustrum anatomical boundaries and functional organization across species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To bridge the rodent-to-human knowledge gap regarding claustrum anatomy and function.
- To investigate the molecular and connectivity profile of the macaque claustrum.
- To elaborate a functional model of the claustrum in cognition.
Main Methods:
- Molecular profiling of the macaque claustrum.
- Connectivity mapping of the macaque claustrum with cortical and subcortical partners.
- Comparative analysis with rodent and human claustrum data.
Main Results:
- The macaque claustrum exhibits surprising lateralized and expanded connectivity compared to rodent models.
- A well-developed organization into overlapping functional sub-domains was discovered in the monkey claustrum.
- Findings help explain human functional connectivity data and refine models of claustrum function.
Conclusions:
- The macaque claustrum's organization and connectivity provide crucial insights into its cognitive roles.
- This study refines our understanding of claustrum evolution and function across mammals.
- An elaborated model of claustrum function in cognition is proposed based on these findings.
