Unlocking near-whole-brain, layer-specific functional connectivity with 3D VAPER fMRI

• DOI: 10.1162/imag_a_00140
• Publication Date: 2024-04-05T15:12:12Z
• Authors: Yuhui Chai; A. Tyler Morgan; Hua Xie; Linqing Li; Laurentius Huber; Peter A. Bandettini; Bradley P. Sutton
• Keywords: Connectomics

Abstract Neuroscientific investigations at the cortical layer level not only enrich our knowledge of micro-circuitry in vivo, but also help bridge gap between macroscopic (e.g., conventional fMRI, behavior) and microscopic extracellular recordings) measures brain function. While laminar fMRI studies have extensively explored evoked response multiple subsystems, investigation component functional networks throughout entire has been hindered due to constraints high-resolution layer-fMRI imaging methodologies. Our study addresses this by introducing an innovative layer-specific 3D VAPER (integrated VASO Perfusion contrast) technique humans 7 T, for achieving high resolution (800 µm isotropic), specificity (not biased toward unspecific vein signals as BOLD), sensitivity (robust measurement submillimeter resolution), spatial accuracy (analysis native space), near-whole-brain coverage (cerebellum included), eventually extending more flexible connectivity-based experiment designs. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we collected 0.8-mm isotropic data during both resting-state movie-watching scenarios, established a connectivity analysis pipeline from individual group levels, role different layers maintaining networks. results revealed distinct patterns within default mode, somatomotor, visual networks, well global hubness level. The cutting-edge insights derived exploration into provide unparalleled understanding organization principles underlying mechanisms governing communication regions.