Functional parcellation of the default mode network: a large-scale meta-analysis

Abstract

The default mode network (DMN) consists of several regions that selectively interact to support distinct domains of cognition. Of the various sites that partake in DMN function, the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), temporal parietal junction (TPJ), and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) are frequently identified as key contributors. Yet, it remains unclear whether these subcomponents of the DMN make unique contributions to specific cognitive processes and health conditions. To address this issue, we applied a meta-analytic parcellation approach used in prior work. This approach used the Neurosynth database and classification methods to quantify the association between PCC, TPJ, and MPFC activation and specific topics related to cognition and health (e.g., decision making and smoking). Our analyses replicated prior observations that the PCC, TPJ, and MPFC collectively support multiple cognitive functions such as decision making, memory, and awareness. To gain insight into the functional organization of each region, we parceled each region based on its coactivation pattern with the rest of the brain. This analysis indicated that each region could be further subdivided into functionally distinct subcomponents. Taken together, we further delineate DMN function by demonstrating the relative strengths of association among subcomponents across a range of cognitive processes and health conditions. A continued attentiveness to the specialization within the DMN allows future work to consider the nuances in sub-regional contributions necessary for healthy cognition, as well as create the potential for more targeted treatment protocols in various health conditions.

Brain parcellation selection: An overlooked decision point with meaningful effects on individual differences in resting-state functional connectivity

“…NeuroSythn.org allows researchers to identify task-evoked activity mappings ( Yarkoni et al, 2011 ; Lieberman and Eisenberger, 2015 ) using keywords. As researchers often refer to the primary functional networks when discussing task-evoked activity, primary functional networks have also begun to be identified using NeuroSynth’s meta-analytic approach ( Franzmeier et al, 2017 ; Wang et al, 2020 ). We were interested in examining how well the NeuroSynth platform is able to identify functional networks, so included maps of four primary networks of interest (the default network, the control network, the dorsal attention network, and the salience network) derived using NeuroSynth.org .…”

Altered anterior default mode network dynamics in progressive multiple sclerosis

“…This first finding, observed both at baseline and FU, reveals the key role of the anterior DMN functional dysfunction in progressive MS. The medial prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex are involved in a large range of cognitive, emotional and motor processes (Gusnard et al ., 2001; Margulies et al ., 2007; De La Vega et al ., 2016; Wang et al ., 2020), and different studies have highlighted their functional heterogeneity. Among the regions whose activity decreases most during goal-oriented tasks in healthy adults (Gusnard and Raichle, 2001; Buckner et al ., 2008), the anterior DMN presents a reduced activity during rest with aging (Damoiseaux et al ., 2006) and an increased activation during cognitive tasks in aging (Sambataro et al ., 2010) and in patients with neurodegenerative disorders (Saykin et al ., 1999 a ), interpreted as a failure in deactivation or as a compensatory phenomenon.…”

The domain “social processes” in the system of research domain criteria: current state and perspectives

“…Solide replizierte funktionelle Bildgebungsdaten zeigen, dass vor allem der ventromediale Präfrontalkortex (VMPFC) bei der Selbstreflexion eine Rolle spielt [ 34 ]. Bei der Wahrnehmung des Selbst im sozialen Kontext sind vor allem das Mentalisierungsnetzwerk, bestehend aus VMPFC, posteriorem Zingulum, Präkuneus und temporoparietalem Übergang (TPJ), als auch das Spiegelneuronensystems, welches den posterioren superioren temporalen und intraparietalen Sulcus umfasst, beteiligt [ 26 , 37 ]. Entsprechende Dysfunktionen in diesen Netzwerken lassen sich sowohl bei Autismusspektrumstörungen als auch bei Schizophrenie feststellen [ 15 ], wobei hier Veränderungen sozialer Wahrnehmungsprozesse sicher zur gestörten Informationsintegration auf höherer Ebene beitragen.…”