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.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

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