An evolutionary gap in primate default mode network organization

Authors

Clément M. Garin, Vanderbilt University School of Engineering
Yuki Hori, Robarts Research Institute
Stefan Everling, Robarts Research InstituteFollow
Christopher T. Whitlow, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Finnegan J. Calabro, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Beatriz Luna, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Mathilda Froesel, Université de Lyon
Maëva Gacoin, Université de Lyon
Suliann Ben Hamed, Université de Lyon
Marc Dhenain, Universite Paris-Saclay
Christos Constantinidis, Vanderbilt University School of Engineering

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-12-2022

Journal

Cell Reports

Volume

39

Issue

2

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110669

Abstract

The human default mode network (DMN) is engaged at rest and in cognitive states such as self-directed thoughts. Interconnected homologous cortical areas in primates constitute a network considered as the equivalent. Here, based on a cross-species comparison of the DMN between humans and non-hominoid primates (macaques, marmosets, and mouse lemurs), we report major dissimilarities in connectivity profiles. Most importantly, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of non-hominoid primates is poorly engaged with the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), though strong correlated activity between the human PCC and the mPFC is a key feature of the human DMN. Instead, a fronto-temporal resting-state network involving the mPFC was detected consistently across non-hominoid primate species. These common functional features shared between non-hominoid primates but not with humans suggest a substantial gap in the organization of the primate's DMN and its associated cognitive functions.