Project description
Whole-brain computational models elucidate functional gradients in the human brain
The mammalian cortex is not strictly modular. It exhibits axes of variance in its anatomy, physiology and biochemistry that are associated with functional gradients. However, the process by which functional gradients emerge from the spatial distribution of cortical anatomical inhomogeneities is poorly understood. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the GradStim project will develop whole-brain computational models combining anatomy and physiology. These models will be used to study the brain mechanisms underlying higher-order cognitive functions and their responses to perturbations. They will reproduce the human functional gradients, as determined using manifold learning techniques (machine learning based on non-linear dimensionality reduction) applied to functional magnetic resonance imaging data.
Objective
Studying the brain mechanisms behind consciousness is a major challenge for neuroscience and medicine. Accumulating evidence shows that the structural, histological, functional, genetic, and neurochemical inhomogeneities of the mammalian cortex do not follow a modular distribution; instead, these properties change following gradients, understood as axes of variance along which cortical features are ordered continuously. The gradient describing the axis of largest variance (principal gradient) obtained for an ample range of cortical features follows a unimodal-transmodal organization, ranging from externally-oriented sensory and motor regions to multimodal association regions, culminating in regions linked with internally oriented higher-order cognitive functions. In this project we propose a novel approach, constructing, validating and exploring whole-brain computational models combining empirical information including anatomical connectivity, spatial maps of local neuroanatomical features, to reproduce the configuration of human functional gradients, as determined using manifold learning techniques applied to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. This will allow us to investigate the process by which functional gradients emerge from the spatial distribution of cortical anatomical inhomogeneities. The models will also provide the possibility to investigate how different global brain states behave under perturbations. In order to achieve our goals, we propose a highly interdisciplinary project that combines state-of-the-art principal gradient expertise with whole-brain computational modelling proposing a synergy between two groups with large expertise in each area to address a common question: do realistic functional gradients emerge from the dynamical equations when coupled by realistic long-range structural connections, and modulated locally by empirical maps encoding relevant neurochemical data?
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology cognitive neuroscience
- engineering and technology medical engineering diagnostic imaging magnetic resonance imaging
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01
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75006 Paris
France
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