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The ascending arousal system shapes neural dynamics to mediate awareness of cognitive states

Author

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  • Brandon R. Munn

    (Complex Systems Research Group, The University of Sydney
    Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney)

  • Eli J. Müller

    (Complex Systems Research Group, The University of Sydney
    Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney)

  • Gabriel Wainstein

    (Complex Systems Research Group, The University of Sydney
    Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney)

  • James M. Shine

    (Complex Systems Research Group, The University of Sydney
    Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney)

Abstract

Models of cognitive function typically focus on the cerebral cortex and hence overlook functional links to subcortical structures. This view does not consider the role of the highly-conserved ascending arousal system’s role and the computational capacities it provides the brain. We test the hypothesis that the ascending arousal system modulates cortical neural gain to alter the low-dimensional energy landscape of cortical dynamics. Here we use spontaneous functional magnetic resonance imaging data to study phasic bursts in both locus coeruleus and basal forebrain, demonstrating precise time-locked relationships between brainstem activity, low-dimensional energy landscapes, network topology, and spatiotemporal travelling waves. We extend our analysis to a cohort of experienced meditators and demonstrate locus coeruleus-mediated network dynamics were associated with internal shifts in conscious awareness. Together, these results present a view of brain organization that highlights the ascending arousal system’s role in shaping both the dynamics of the cerebral cortex and conscious awareness.

Suggested Citation

  • Brandon R. Munn & Eli J. Müller & Gabriel Wainstein & James M. Shine, 2021. "The ascending arousal system shapes neural dynamics to mediate awareness of cognitive states," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-26268-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26268-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Valerio Mante & David Sussillo & Krishna V. Shenoy & William T. Newsome, 2013. "Context-dependent computation by recurrent dynamics in prefrontal cortex," Nature, Nature, vol. 503(7474), pages 78-84, November.
    2. Eli J. Müller & Brandon R. Munn & James M. Shine, 2020. "Diffuse neural coupling mediates complex network dynamics through the formation of quasi-critical brain states," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Takamitsu Watanabe & Satoshi Hirose & Hiroyuki Wada & Yoshio Imai & Toru Machida & Ichiro Shirouzu & Seiki Konishi & Yasushi Miyashita & Naoki Masuda, 2013. "A pairwise maximum entropy model accurately describes resting-state human brain networks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-10, June.
    4. Brian W. Chow & Vicente Nuñez & Luke Kaplan & Adam J. Granger & Karina Bistrong & Hannah L. Zucker & Payal Kumar & Bernardo L. Sabatini & Chenghua Gu, 2020. "Caveolae in CNS arterioles mediate neurovascular coupling," Nature, Nature, vol. 579(7797), pages 106-110, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jia-Hou Poh & Mai-Anh T. Vu & Jessica K. Stanek & Abigail Hsiung & Tobias Egner & R. Alison Adcock, 2022. "Hippocampal convergence during anticipatory midbrain activation promotes subsequent memory formation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Federico Rocchi & Carola Canella & Shahryar Noei & Daniel Gutierrez-Barragan & Ludovico Coletta & Alberto Galbusera & Alexia Stuefer & Stefano Vassanelli & Massimo Pasqualetti & Giuliano Iurilli & Ste, 2022. "Increased fMRI connectivity upon chemogenetic inhibition of the mouse prefrontal cortex," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Brandon R. Munn & Eli J. Müller & Vicente Medel & Sharon L. Naismith & Joseph T. Lizier & Robert D. Sanders & James M. Shine, 2023. "Neuronal connected burst cascades bridge macroscale adaptive signatures across arousal states," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-17, December.

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