An energy costly architecture of neuromodulators for human brain evolution and cognition

• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi7632
• Publication Date: 2023-12-13T18:59:05Z
• Authors: Gabriel Castrillon; Samira Epp; Antonia Bose; Laura Fraticelli; André Hechler; Roman Belenya; Andreas Ranft; Igor Yakushev; Lukas Utz; Lalith Sundar; Josef P Rauschecker; Christine Preibisch; Katarzyna Kurcyus; Valentin Riedl
• Keywords: Human brain; Human Connectome Project

In comparison to other species, the human brain exhibits one of highest energy demands relative body metabolism. It remains unclear whether this heightened demand uniformly supports an enlarged or if specific signaling mechanisms necessitate greater energy. We hypothesized that regional distribution will reveal strategies have contributed cognitive development. measured within functional connectome using multimodal imaging and found pathways in evolutionarily expanded regions up 67% higher energetic costs than those sensory-motor regions. Additionally, histology, transcriptomic data, molecular independently up-regulation at G-protein-coupled receptors energy-demanding Our findings indicate neuromodulator activity is predominantly involved functions, such as reading memory processing. This study suggests activity, alongside increased size, a crucial aspect evolution.