Cortico-subcortical converging organization at rest

Abstract

Higher-order cognitive function relies on information convergence between functionally specialized communities. It is unknown how subcortex configures itself with respect to the local segregation and global integration dynamics at rest. Using functional MRI, we revealed three non-overlapping communities confined anatomically to thalamus, basal ganglia, and subcortical limbic structures and network "hubs". Further, using statistical modelling we quantified the extent of convergence and found multiple, widespread cortical regions converging onto individual subcortical regions. We revealed a topographic organization of cortical convergence within subcortical resting state networks, such that thalamic, basal ganglia, subcortical limbic networks received convergence from cortical areas involved in sensorimotor integration, associative and motor control, limbic functions, respectively. Further, we found functional diversity of cortex to be the major driving factor behind cortical convergence within subcortex and that the absence of subcortical regions significantly impacted the information-transmission efficiency within the converging organization, underscoring the subcortical contributions to brain dynamics.