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Angular Default Mode Network Connectivity across Working Memory Load

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Manktelow, AE 
Sahakian, BJ 
Menon, DK 
Stamatakis, EA 

Abstract

Initially identified during no-task, baseline conditions, it has now been suggested that the default mode network (DMN) engages during a variety of working memory paradigms through its flexible interactions with other large-scale brain networks. Nevertheless, its contribution to whole-brain connectivity dynamics across increasing working memory load has not been explicitly assessed. The aim of our study was to determine which DMN hubs relate to working memory task performance during an fMRI-based n-back paradigm with parametric increases in difficulty. Using a voxel-wise metric, termed the intrinsic connectivity contrast (ICC), we found that the bilateral angular gyri (core DMN hubs) displayed the greatest change in global connectivity across three levels of n-back task load. Subsequent seed-based functional connectivity analysis revealed that the angular DMN regions robustly interact with other large-scale brain networks, suggesting a potential involvement in the global integration of information. Further support for this hypothesis comes from the significant correlations we found between angular gyri connectivity and reaction times to correct responses. The implication from our study is that the DMN is actively involved during the n-back task and thus plays an important role related to working memory, with its core angular regions contributing to the changes in global brain connectivity in response to increasing environmental demands.

Description

Keywords

angular gyrus, behavioral performance, default mode network, functional connectivity, intrinsic connectivity contrast, n-back, working memory

Journal Title

Human Brain Mapping

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1065-9471
1097-0193

Volume Title

38

Publisher

Wiley
Sponsorship
Evelyn Trust (unknown)
Evelyn Trust (RUAG/018), Yousef Jameel Academic Program, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Centre (RCZB/004), National Institute for Health Research (Senior Investigator Award (RCZB/014)), Queens’ College Cambridge (Stephen Erskine Fellowship)