PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Bernard A. Pailthorpe
TI  - Network analysis of mesoscale mouse brain structural connectome reveals modular structure that aligns with anatomical regions and sensory pathways
AID  - 10.1101/755041
DP  - 2019 Jan 01
TA  - bioRxiv
PG  - 755041
4099  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2019/09/03/755041.short
4100  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2019/09/03/755041.full
AB  - The Allen mesoscale mouse brain structural connectome is analysed using standard network methods combined with 3D visualizations. The full region-to-region connectivity data is used, with a focus on the strongest (top 40%) structural links. The spatial embedding of links and time evolution of signalling is incorporated, with two-step links included. Modular decomposition using the Infomap method produces 8 network modules that correspond approximately to major brain anatomical regions and system functions. These modules align with the anterior and posterior primary sensory systems and association areas. 3D visualization of network links is facilitated by using a set of simplified schematic coordinates that reduces visual complexity. Selection of key nodes and links, with a focus on primary sensory pathways and cortical association areas, together reveal structural features of the mouse structural connectome consistent with biological functions in the sensory-motor systems, and selective roles of the anterior and posterior cortical association areas of the mouse brain. The fabric of weaker links generally are longer range with some having brain-wide reach. Cortical gradients are evident along sensory pathways within the structural network.Author’s Summary Network models incorporating spatial embedding and signalling delays are used to investigate the mouse structural connectome. Here computational method work like experimental probes to uncover biologically relevant features. I use the Infomap method, which follows random walks on the network, to decompose the directed, weighted network into 8 modules that align with classical brain anatomical regions and system functions. Primary sensory pathways and cortical association areas are separated into individual modules. Strong, short range links form the sensory-motor paths while weaker links spread brain-wide, possibly coordinating many regions.