Architectures of the Resting Brain: Discrete Networks, Continuous Gradients, and Their Biological Foundations

The properties of intrinsic functional connectivity networks—those patterns of coordinated activity that emerge in the absence of explicit tasks—are shaped by a wide set of factors, including cognitive abilities, mental illness, aging, ongoing cognitive activity, and altered states of consciousness. Central to understanding how these factors influence brain network dynamics is the identification of biological mechanisms that underpin their effects. An example of such a mechanism is the ascending arousal system, a network of specialized neuromodulatory nuclei located in the brainstem and forebrain, which has emerged as a key modulator of functional connectivity and cognitive processing. Understanding these mediating mechanisms can help clarify the role that functional connectivity networks play in brain function and support the development of clinical interventions for psychiatric and neurological conditions. Additionally, there is debate surrounding the organizational principles that best characterize the brain's functional connectivity architecture such as whether it is best characterized by discrete modular networks or continuous gradients. Uncovering these principles holds great translational promise.

This Research Topic aims to foster multidisciplinary contributions with two primary goals:

- To elucidate the biological substrates through which cognitive, clinical, and state-dependent factors influence functional brain networks, with particular emphasis on neuromodulatory systems.
- To advance understanding of the general organizational principles that define functional brain connectivity architecture and how these principles relate to cognition and behavior.

We welcome research that integrates perspectives from cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, computational modeling, psychophysiology, and translational animal studies.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Pupillometric and neuroimaging investigations of ascending arousal system activity and its impact on functional connectivity
- Studies linking individual differences in development, aging, and cognitive ability to properties of functional connectivity networks
- Investigations into the role of genetic factors in determining functional connectivity network architecture
- Research on biological mechanisms that mediate the relationship between mental illness and abnormalities in functional connectivity
- Studies examining how cognitive load and other task demands influence graph-theoretical properties of functional connectivity networks
- Research exploring whether differences in functional connectivity network architecture and/or dynamics can delineate distinct states of consciousness
- Computational models simulating neuromodulatory influences on network reconfiguration
- Comparative studies of neuromodulatory function in clinical versus neurotypical populations
- Translational insights from animal models on the role of neuromodulatory systems in cognition and psychopathology
- Reviews and theoretical frameworks synthesizing current knowledge on neuromodulatory control of functional connectivity
- Studies comparing the relative fit of discrete network and gradient models of the brain's functional connectivity architecture
- Theoretical accounts of biological factors that guide brain development towards a specific type of functional connectivity architecture

Accepted article types include original research, systematic and mini-reviews, perspectives, and theoretical contributions. Through this integrative effort, we aim to advance a more comprehensive understanding of both the biological foundations and organizational principles of functional brain network variability and their relevance to cognition and mental health.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Arousal, pupillometry, network gradients, individual differences, cognitive ability, developmental, aging, consciousness, clinical populations

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.