How to characterize the function of a brain region

Genon, Sarah; Reid, Andrew; Langner, Robert; Amunts, Katrin; Eickhoff, Simon B.

Abstract

Many brain regions have been defined, but a comprehensive formalization of each region’s function in relation to human behavior is still lacking. Current knowledge comes from various fields, which have diverse conceptions of ‘functions’. We briefly review these fields and outline how the heterogeneity of associations could be harnessed to disclose the computational function of any region. Aggregating activation data from neuroimaging studies allows us to characterize the functional engagement of a region across a range of experimental conditions. Furthermore, large-sample data can disclose covariation between brain region features and ecological behavioral phenotyping. Combining these two approaches opens a new perspective to determine the behavioral associations of a brain region, and hence its function and broader role within large-scale functional networks.

Citation

Genon, S., Reid, A., Langner, R., Amunts, K., & Eickhoff, S. B. (2018). How to characterize the function of a brain region. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 22(4), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2018.01.010

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 1, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Feb 28, 2018
• Publication Date: Apr 30, 2018
• Deposit Date: Apr 24, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 24, 2018
• Journal: Trends in Cognitive Sciences
• Print ISSN: 1364-6613
• Electronic ISSN: 1879-307X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 4
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2018.01.010
• Keywords: Functional specialization; Data-driven; Brain mapping; MRI; Neurosynth; BrainMap
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/929549
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2018.01.010