Coming up short: generative network models fail to accurately capture long-range connectivity

Abstract

Generative network models (GNMs) have been proposed to identify the mechanisms/constraints that shape the organisation of the connectome. These models parameterise the formation of inter-regional connections using a trade-off between connection cost and topological complexity or biophysical similarity. Despite their simplicity, GNMs can generate synthetic networks that capture many topological properties of empirical brain networks. However, current models often fail to capture the topography (i.e., spatial embedding) of many such properties, such as the anatomical location of network hubs. In this study, we investigate a diverse array of generative network model formulations and find that none can accurately capture empirical patterns of long-range connectivity. We demonstrate that the spatial embedding of longer-range connections is critical in defining hub locations and that it is precisely these connections that are poorly captured by extant models. We further show how standard measures used for model optimisation and evaluation mask these and other differences between synthetic and empirical brain networks, highlighting the need for care when interpreting generative network models and metrics. Overall, our findings demonstrate common failure modes of GNMs, identify why these models do not fully capture brain network organisation, and suggest ways the field can move forward to address these challenges. Author summaryGenerative network models aim to explain the organisation of connectomes using simple wiring rules. While these models replicate topological features of brain networks, they do not capture key topographical properties, like the anatomical location of network hubs. We show that this failure occurs because the models are unable to accurately capture the spatial position of long-range inter-regional connections. Moreover, standard evaluation measures fail to accurately quantify the similarity between model and empirical networks. This study identifies how and why limitations of current generative models occur and suggests ways forward for improved practices.