The Evolution and Plasticity of the CONNECTOME
At every aspect of our lives, function determines structure. Just as new roads are built between developing cities, network wires are laid to accommodate faster communication demands, and social networks form around shared goals, the brain also remodels its connectome to adapt to the continuous and dynamic changes in functional demands.
The connectome refers to the functional and structural characteristics of brain connectivity, spanning from the micron level (neural circuits) to the macroscopic level (long-scale pathways). This intricate network, encompassing the white matter and beyond, facilitates the transmission of information across different brain regions. When the integrity of the connectome is compromised, brain function deteriorates. Thus, the connectome is fundamental to everything the brain does.
Traditionally, without the tools to explore the connectome in vivo, it was assumed to be stable and fixed. Much of white matter research focused on mapping the geographical structure of the network and its connected areas. However, advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly diffusion MRI, have opened a new window into the in vivo physiology of the white matter and the connectome.
By measuring the microstructural properties of white matter, researchers now have the opportunity to investigate its physiology and dynamics. This presentation will demonstrate how the connectome can be measured, outline its macro- and microstructural features, and describe its evolutionary characteristics by comparing the connectomes of 100 different mammalian species. Additionally, we will explore the role of the connectome in brain plasticity and its remarkable dynamics.
Light refreshments before the seminar