Default Mode Network spatial configuration varies across task domains

Abstract

Recent developments in network neuroscience suggest reconsidering what we thought we knew about the Default Mode Network (DMN). Although this network has always been seen as unitary and associated with the resting state, a new deconstructive line of research is pointing out that the DMN could be divided into multiple subsystems supporting different functions. By now, it is well known that the DMN is not only deactivated by tasks, but also involved in affective, mnestic, and social paradigms, among others. Nonetheless, it is starting to become clear that the array of activities in which it is involved, might also be extended to more extrinsic functions. The present meta-analytic study is meant to push this boundary a bit further. The BrainMap database was searched for all experimental paradigms activating the DMN, and their activation maps were then computed. An additional map of task-induced deactivations was also created. A Multidimensional Scaling indicated that such maps could be arranged along an anatomo-psychological gradient, which goes from midline core activations, associated with the most internal functions, to the involvement of lateral cortices in more external tasks. Further investigations suggested that such extrinsic mode is especially related to reward, semantic, and emotional functions. However, an important finding was that the variability of task-induced DMN anatomic redistribution was hard to recapitulate, as none of the maps, or any linear combination of them, could represent the whole space of its dynamical reconfiguration. Altogether, our findings suggest that the DMN may be characterized by a richer functional diversity and a more spatial complexity than previously suggested.

Individual-level Functional Connectivity Predicts Cognitive Control Efficiency

“…While previous work suggests a strong anti-correlation between the canonical DMN and the FPCN, DAN, and CON is related to better CC task performance, to our knowledge these studies have not investigated the relationship between the FPCN subnetworks and dorsal-DMN [34]. Investigating how these networks are related to one another at rest and when performing CC tasks in individuals may help researchers to understand the complex functional diversity of the DMN and the FPCN.…”

“…Activity within the DMN is frequently associated with the brain at rest (i.e., not participating in a goal-directed task) [56][57][58]. However, recent studies revealed that the DMN was active during other functions, which included introspective thinking [59], spontaneous cognition [60], working memory processing [61], creative problem solving/ divergent thinking [25], semantic memory processing [62], and task switching [34,63]. Like the FPCN, the DMN also contains multiple distinct networks including: a midline network (canonical DMN behavior, i.e., mind-wandering) and a lateral component (associated with externally mediated tasks requiring internal mentation (i.e., task switching) [34,56,57,[62][63][64][65][66][67]).…”

“…Furthermore, previous work has also suggested that relationships between the FPCN, DAN, and DMN mediated better performance on working memory tasks in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, suggesting that normal working memory functioning may depend on how these networks co-vary [71]. While previous work suggests a strong anti-correlation between the canonical DMN and the FPCN, DAN, and CON is related to better CC task performance, to our knowledge these studies have not investigated the relationship between the FPCN subnetworks and dorsal-DMN [34]. Investigating how these networks are related to one another at rest and when performing CC tasks in individuals may help researchers to understand the complex functional diversity of the DMN and the FPCN.…”

Neurodegeneration in Cognitive Impairment and Mood Disorders for Experimental, Clinical and Translational Neuropsychiatry

“…Neurodegeneration poses a significant challenge for the fields of neuroscience and medicine, as it is the underlying cause of the development and advancement of numerous neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders [1][2][3]. It encompasses the progressive decay and loss of neurons across various levels of organization, ranging from molecular to network levels [4][5][6][7]. Onset can manifest at various life stages, ranging from early phases, as observed in neurodevelopmental disorders, to later stages, exemplified by conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) [8][9][10].…”