RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Sensory experience modulates the reorganisation of temporal auditory regions for executive processing
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 2021.02.08.430248
DO 10.1101/2021.02.08.430248
A1 Manini, Barbara
A1 Vinogradova, Valeria
A1 Woll, Bencie
A1 Cameron, Donnie
A1 Eimer, Martin
A1 Cardin, Velia
YR 2021
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2021/02/08/2021.02.08.430248.abstract
AB Crossmodal plasticity refers to the reorganisation of sensory cortices in the absence of their main sensory input. Understanding this phenomenon provides insights into brain function and its potential for change and enhancement. Using fMRI, we investigated how early deafness and consequent varied language experience influence crossmodal plasticity and the organisation of executive functions (EF) in the adult brain. Results from four visual EF tasks (working memory, switching, planning, inhibition) show that, as a function of the degree of deafness, deaf individuals specifically recruit “auditory” regions during switching. This recruitment correlates with performance, highlighting its functional relevance. We also observed recruitment of auditory temporal regions during planning, but only in deaf individuals with the highest language scores, suggesting differential use of linguistic skills to support EF. Our results show executive processing in typically sensory regions, suggesting that the development and ultimate role of brain regions are influenced by perceptual environmental experience.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.