This research investigates how the human brain's hierarchical structure influences its response to electrical stimulation by combining invasive and non-invasive electrophysiology with advanced mathematical modeling. By analyzing data from 36 patients, the study identifies a spatial gradient of excitability, where high-order cognitive networks exhibit much stronger and more integrated responses than low-order sensory regions. Using "virtual dissections" in a computational model, the authors demonstrate that these heightened responses in high-order networks are causally dependent on recurrent feedback loops from the rest of the brain. In contrast, simpler sensory networks operate with greater functional segregation, relying primarily on internal activity rather than global communication. These findings reveal that a region’s position within the cortical hierarchy dictates its information-processing strategy and its level of network integration. Ultimately, this work provides a mechanistic framework for understanding brain dynamics and could lead to more effective, personalized neuromodulation therapies.
References:
- Momi D, Wang Z, Parmigiani S, et al. Stimulation mapping and whole-brain modeling reveal gradients of excitability and recurrence in cortical networks[J]. Nature Communications, 2025, 16(1): 3222.
