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Baciu M, Roger E. Finding the Words: How Does the Aging Brain Process Language? A Focused Review of Brain Connectivity and Compensatory Pathways. Top Cogn Sci 2024. [PMID: 38734967 DOI: 10.1111/tops.12736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
As people age, there is a natural decline in cognitive functioning and brain structure. However, the relationship between brain function and cognition in older adults is neither straightforward nor uniform. Instead, it is complex, influenced by multiple factors, and can vary considerably from one person to another. Reserve, compensation, and maintenance mechanisms may help explain why some older adults can maintain high levels of performance while others struggle. These mechanisms are often studied concerning memory and executive functions that are particularly sensitive to the effects of aging. However, language abilities can also be affected by age, with changes in production fluency. The impact of brain changes on language abilities needs to be further investigated to understand the dynamics and patterns of aging, especially successful aging. We previously modeled several compensatory profiles of language production and lexical access/retrieval in aging within the Lexical Access and Retrieval in Aging (LARA) model. In the present paper, we propose an extended version of the LARA model, called LARA-Connectivity (LARA-C), incorporating recent evidence on brain connectivity. Finally, we discuss factors that may influence the strategies implemented with aging. The LARA-C model can serve as a framework to understand individual performance and open avenues for possible personalized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baciu
- LPNC, Psychology Department, Grenoble Alps University
- Neurology Department, Grenoble Alps University Hospital
| | - Elise Roger
- LPNC, Psychology Department, Grenoble Alps University
- Communication and Aging Laboratory, Research Center of the University Institute of Geriatrics of Montreal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal
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2
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Mahedy L, Anderson EL, Tilling K, Thornton ZA, Elmore AR, Szalma S, Simen A, Culp M, Zicha S, Harel BT, Davey Smith G, Smith EN, Paternoster L. Investigation of genetic determinants of cognitive change in later life. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:31. [PMID: 38238328 PMCID: PMC10796929 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02726-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline is a major health concern and identification of genes that may serve as drug targets to slow decline is important to adequately support an aging population. Whilst genetic studies of cross-sectional cognition have been carried out, cognitive change is less well-understood. Here, using data from the TOMMORROW trial, we investigate genetic associations with cognitive change in a cognitively normal older cohort. We conducted a genome-wide association study of trajectories of repeated cognitive measures (using generalised estimating equation (GEE) modelling) and tested associations with polygenic risk scores (PRS) of potential risk factors. We identified two genetic variants associated with change in attention domain scores, rs534221751 (p = 1 × 10-8 with slope 1) and rs34743896 (p = 5 × 10-10 with slope 2), implicating NCAM2 and CRIPT/ATP6V1E2 genes, respectively. We also found evidence for the association between an education PRS and baseline cognition (at >65 years of age), particularly in the language domain. We demonstrate the feasibility of conducting GWAS of cognitive change using GEE modelling and our results suggest that there may be novel genetic associations for cognitive change that have not previously been associated with cross-sectional cognition. We also show the importance of the education PRS on cognition much later in life. These findings warrant further investigation and demonstrate the potential value of using trial data and trajectory modelling to identify genetic variants associated with cognitive change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Mahedy
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Emma L Anderson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Kate Tilling
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Zak A Thornton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Andrew R Elmore
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Sándor Szalma
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Arthur Simen
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Meredith Culp
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephen Zicha
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brian T Harel
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - George Davey Smith
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Erin N Smith
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lavinia Paternoster
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
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Alagöz G, Eising E, Mekki Y, Bignardi G, Fontanillas P, Nivard MG, Luciano M, Cox NJ, Fisher SE, Gordon RL. The shared genetic architecture and evolution of human language and musical rhythm. bioRxiv 2023:2023.11.01.564908. [PMID: 37961248 PMCID: PMC10634981 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.564908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Rhythm and language-related traits are phenotypically correlated, but their genetic overlap is largely unknown. Here, we leveraged two large-scale genome-wide association studies performed to shed light on the shared genetics of rhythm (N=606,825) and dyslexia (N=1,138,870). Our results reveal an intricate shared genetic and neurobiological architecture, and lay groundwork for resolving longstanding debates about the potential co-evolution of human language and musical traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gökberk Alagöz
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6500 AH Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Else Eising
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6500 AH Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yasmina Mekki
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Giacomo Bignardi
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6500 AH Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Max Planck School of Cognition, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Michel G Nivard
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michelle Luciano
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nancy J Cox
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6500 AH Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Reyna L Gordon
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- The Curb Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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4
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St John M, Tripathi T, Morgan AT, Amor DJ. To speak may draw on epigenetic writing and reading: Unravelling the complexity of speech and language outcomes across chromatin-related neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105293. [PMID: 37353048 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Speech and language development are complex neurodevelopmental processes that are incompletely understood, yet current evidence suggests that speech and language disorders are prominent in those with disorders of chromatin regulation. This review aimed to unravel what is known about speech and language outcomes for individuals with chromatin-related neurodevelopmental disorders. A systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted on 70 chromatin genes, to identify reports of speech/language outcomes across studies, including clinical reports, formal subjective measures, and standardised/objective measures. 3932 studies were identified and screened and 112 were systematically reviewed. Communication impairment was core across chromatin disorders, and specifically, chromatin writers and readers appear to play an important role in motor speech development. Identification of these relationships is important because chromatin disorders show promise as therapeutic targets due to the capacity for epigenetic modification. Further research is required using standardised and formal assessments to understand the nuanced speech/language profiles associated with variants in each gene, and the influence of chromatin dysregulation on the neurobiology of speech and language development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miya St John
- Speech and Language, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Tanya Tripathi
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Angela T Morgan
- Speech and Language, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Speech Genomics Clinic, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - David J Amor
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Speech Genomics Clinic, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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5
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Labache L, Ge T, Yeo BTT, Holmes AJ. Language network lateralization is reflected throughout the macroscale functional organization of cortex. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3405. [PMID: 37296118 PMCID: PMC10256741 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39131-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemispheric specialization is a fundamental feature of human brain organization. However, it is not yet clear to what extent the lateralization of specific cognitive processes may be evident throughout the broad functional architecture of cortex. While the majority of people exhibit left-hemispheric language dominance, a substantial minority of the population shows reverse lateralization. Using twin and family data from the Human Connectome Project, we provide evidence that atypical language dominance is associated with global shifts in cortical organization. Individuals with atypical language organization exhibit corresponding hemispheric differences in the macroscale functional gradients that situate discrete large-scale networks along a continuous spectrum, extending from unimodal through association territories. Analyses reveal that both language lateralization and gradient asymmetries are, in part, driven by genetic factors. These findings pave the way for a deeper understanding of the origins and relationships linking population-level variability in hemispheric specialization and global properties of cortical organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Labache
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, US.
| | - Tian Ge
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, US
- Center for Precision Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, US
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, US
| | - B T Thomas Yeo
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Centre for Sleep and Cognition, National University of Singapore, Singapore, SG, 119077, Singapore
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Centre for Translational Magnetic Resonance Research, National University of Singapore, Singapore, SG, 119077, Singapore
- N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, SG, 119077, Singapore
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, US
- National University of Singapore Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, SG, 119077, Singapore
| | - Avram J Holmes
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, US.
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, US.
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, US.
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, US.
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6
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Sha Z, Schijven D, Fisher SE, Francks C. Genetic architecture of the white matter connectome of the human brain. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadd2870. [PMID: 36800424 PMCID: PMC9937579 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add2870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
White matter tracts form the structural basis of large-scale brain networks. We applied brain-wide tractography to diffusion images from 30,810 adults (U.K. Biobank) and found significant heritability for 90 node-level and 851 edge-level network connectivity measures. Multivariate genome-wide association analyses identified 325 genetic loci, of which 80% had not been previously associated with brain metrics. Enrichment analyses implicated neurodevelopmental processes including neurogenesis, neural differentiation, neural migration, neural projection guidance, and axon development, as well as prenatal brain expression especially in stem cells, astrocytes, microglia, and neurons. The multivariate association profiles implicated 31 loci in connectivity between core regions of the left-hemisphere language network. Polygenic scores for psychiatric, neurological, and behavioral traits also showed significant multivariate associations with structural connectivity, each implicating distinct sets of brain regions with trait-relevant functional profiles. This large-scale mapping study revealed common genetic contributions to variation in the structural connectome of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Sha
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Dick Schijven
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Simon E. Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Clyde Francks
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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7
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Nayak S, Coleman PL, Ladányi E, Nitin R, Gustavson DE, Fisher SE, Magne CL, Gordon RL. The Musical Abilities, Pleiotropy, Language, and Environment (MAPLE) Framework for Understanding Musicality-Language Links Across the Lifespan. Neurobiol Lang (Camb) 2022; 3:615-664. [PMID: 36742012 PMCID: PMC9893227 DOI: 10.1162/nol_a_00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Using individual differences approaches, a growing body of literature finds positive associations between musicality and language-related abilities, complementing prior findings of links between musical training and language skills. Despite these associations, musicality has been often overlooked in mainstream models of individual differences in language acquisition and development. To better understand the biological basis of these individual differences, we propose the Musical Abilities, Pleiotropy, Language, and Environment (MAPLE) framework. This novel integrative framework posits that musical and language-related abilities likely share some common genetic architecture (i.e., genetic pleiotropy) in addition to some degree of overlapping neural endophenotypes, and genetic influences on musically and linguistically enriched environments. Drawing upon recent advances in genomic methodologies for unraveling pleiotropy, we outline testable predictions for future research on language development and how its underlying neurobiological substrates may be supported by genetic pleiotropy with musicality. In support of the MAPLE framework, we review and discuss findings from over seventy behavioral and neural studies, highlighting that musicality is robustly associated with individual differences in a range of speech-language skills required for communication and development. These include speech perception-in-noise, prosodic perception, morphosyntactic skills, phonological skills, reading skills, and aspects of second/foreign language learning. Overall, the current work provides a clear agenda and framework for studying musicality-language links using individual differences approaches, with an emphasis on leveraging advances in the genomics of complex musicality and language traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srishti Nayak
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, TN, USA
| | - Peyton L. Coleman
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Enikő Ladányi
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Linguistics, Potsdam University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rachana Nitin
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Daniel E. Gustavson
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Simon E. Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cyrille L. Magne
- Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
- PhD Program in Literacy Studies, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| | - Reyna L. Gordon
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Curb Center for Art, Enterprise, and Public Policy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, TN, USA
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Roger E, Rodrigues De Almeida L, Loevenbruck H, Perrone-bertolotti M, Cousin E, Schwartz J, Perrier P, Dohen M, Vilain A, Baraduc P, Achard S, Baciu M. Unraveling the functional attributes of the language connectome: crucial subnetworks, flexibility and variability. Neuroimage 2022; 263:119672. [PMID: 36209795 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Language processing is a highly integrative function, intertwining linguistic operations (processing the language code intentionally used for communication) and extra-linguistic processes (e.g., attention monitoring, predictive inference, long-term memory). This synergetic cognitive architecture requires a distributed and specialized neural substrate. Brain systems have mainly been examined at rest. However, task-related functional connectivity provides additional and valuable information about how information is processed when various cognitive states are involved. We gathered thirteen language fMRI tasks in a unique database of one hundred and fifty neurotypical adults (InLang [Interactive networks of Language] database), providing the opportunity to assess language features across a wide range of linguistic processes. Using this database, we applied network theory as a computational tool to model the task-related functional connectome of language (LANG atlas). The organization of this data-driven neurocognitive atlas of language was examined at multiple levels, uncovering its major components (or crucial subnetworks), and its anatomical and functional correlates. In addition, we estimated its reconfiguration as a function of linguistic demand (flexibility) or several factors such as age or gender (variability). We observed that several discrete networks could be specifically shaped to promote key functional features of language: coding-decoding (Net1), control-executive (Net2), abstract-knowledge (Net3), and sensorimotor (Net4) functions. The architecture of these systems and the functional connectivity of the pivotal brain regions varied according to the nature of the linguistic process, gender, or age. By accounting for the multifaceted nature of language and modulating factors, this study can contribute to enriching and refining existing neurocognitive models of language. The LANG atlas can also be considered a reference for comparative or clinical studies involving various patients and conditions.
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Guo W, Geng S, Cao M, Feng J. The Brain Connectome for Chinese Reading. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1097-1113. [PMID: 35575936 PMCID: PMC9468198 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00864-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chinese, as a logographic language, fundamentally differs from alphabetic languages like English. Previous neuroimaging studies have mainly focused on alphabetic languages, while the exploration of Chinese reading is still an emerging and fast-growing research field. Recently, a growing number of neuroimaging studies have explored the neural circuit of Chinese reading. Here, we summarize previous research on Chinese reading from a connectomic perspective. Converging evidence indicates that the left middle frontal gyrus is a specialized hub region that connects the ventral with dorsal pathways for Chinese reading. Notably, the orthography-to-phonology and orthography-to-semantics mapping, mainly processed in the ventral pathway, are more specific during Chinese reading. Besides, in addition to the left-lateralized language-related regions, reading pathways in the right hemisphere also play an important role in Chinese reading. Throughout, we comprehensively review prior findings and emphasize several challenging issues to be explored in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanwan Guo
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Shujie Geng
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Miao Cao
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jianfeng Feng
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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10
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Buisan R, Moriano J, Andirkó A, Boeckx C. A Brain Region-Specific Expression Profile for Genes Within Large Introgression Deserts and Under Positive Selection in Homo sapiens. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:824740. [PMID: 35557944 PMCID: PMC9086289 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.824740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Analyses of ancient DNA from extinct hominins have provided unique insights into the complex evolutionary history of Homo sapiens, intricately related to that of the Neanderthals and the Denisovans as revealed by several instances of admixture events. These analyses have also allowed the identification of introgression deserts: genomic regions in our species that are depleted of “archaic” haplotypes. The presence of genes like FOXP2 in these deserts has been taken to be suggestive of brain-related functional differences between Homo species. Here, we seek a deeper characterization of these regions and the specific expression trajectories of genes within them, taking into account signals of positive selection in our lineage. Analyzing publicly available transcriptomic data from the human brain at different developmental stages, we found that structures outside the cerebral neocortex, in particular the cerebellum, the striatum and the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus show the most divergent transcriptomic profiles when considering genes within large introgression deserts and under positive selection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Moriano
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Andirkó
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cedric Boeckx
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Cedric Boeckx,
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