Cited by 556Neural dynamics and brain functionFunctional Brain Connectivity StudiesNonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation

Dynamic Network Communication as a Unifying Neural Basis for Cognition, Development, Aging, and Disease

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Voytek, Bradley, Knight, Robert T.·2015·Biological Psychiatry

Abstract

Perception, cognition, and social interaction depend upon coordinated neural activity. This coordination operates within noisy, overlapping, and distributed neural networks operating at multiple timescales. These networks are built upon a structural scaffolding with intrinsic neuroplasticity that changes with development, aging, disease, and personal experience. In this article, we begin from the perspective that successful interregional communication relies upon the transient synchronization between distinct low-frequency (<80 Hz) oscillations, allowing for brief windows of communication via phase-coordinated local neuronal spiking. From this, we construct a theoretical framework for dynamic network communication, arguing that these networks reflect a balance between oscillatory coupling and local population spiking activity and that these two levels of activity interact. We theorize that when oscillatory coupling is too strong, spike timing within the local neuronal population becomes too synchronous; when oscillatory coupling is too weak, spike timing is too disorganized. Each results in specific disruptions to neural communication. These alterations in communication dynamics may underlie cognitive changes associated with healthy development and aging, in addition to neurological and psychiatric disorders. A number of neurological and psychiatric disorders-including Parkinson's disease, autism, depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety-are associated with abnormalities in oscillatory activity. Although aging, psychiatric and neurological disease, and experience differ in the biological changes to structural gray or white matter, neurotransmission, and gene expression, our framework suggests that any resultant cognitive and behavioral changes in normal or disordered states or their treatment are a product of how these physical processes affect dynamic network communication.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.04.016

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  • Spontaneous background neural 'noise' is necessary to prevent excessive local overcoupling.

    “It has been hypothesized, for example, that spontaneous background neural “noise” is necessary to prevent excessive local overcoupling [31].”
  • Decreased power in higher frequencies can be seen when muscle activity is decreased, but also when spontaneous background neuronal firing activity is decreased.

    “This decreased power in higher frequencies can be seen when muscle activity is decreased (as above), but also when spontaneous background neuronal firing activity is decreased [30, 31].”

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. [47]Szczepanski SM Crone NE Kuperman RA Auguste KI Parvizi J Knight RT Posner M Dynamic Changes in Phase-Amplitude Coupling Facilitate Spatial Attention Control in Fronto-Parietal Cortex Plos Biol 2014 12 e1001936 e1001914 PMC4144794 25157678
  2. [102]The Organizaiton of Behavior The Organizaiton of Behavior 1949 New York John Wiley & Sons

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Authors
Voytek, B., & Knight, R. T.
Affiliations
  • University of California San Diego (US)
  • University of California, Berkeley (US)
Corresponding author
Voytek, Bradley
Venue
Biological Psychiatry
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2015-06
Volume
77
Issue
12
Pages
1089-1097
ISSN
0006-3223 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2142864695
Cited by
556
References
132
Citations by year
2026: 72 · 2025: 70 · 2024: 64 · 2023: 60 · 2022: 48 · 2021: 50 · 2020: 44 · 2019: 46 · 2018: 28 · 2017: 35 · 2016: 27 · 2015: 11
FWCI
3.31
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Biological Psychiatry (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (2r01ns021135-33)
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (R37 NS21135-27, R37NS021135, R01 NS-021135)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Functional Brain Connectivity Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Networks and Communications › Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation
Keywords
neural oscillations, low-frequency oscillations, oscillatory coupling, neuronal spiking, phase synchronization, neuroplasticity, cognitive development, brain aging, neurological disorders, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, autism spectrum disorder, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, neural network theory
MeSH terms
Action Potentials, Aging, Animals, Brain, Brain Diseases, Cognition, Cortical Synchronization, Humans, Models, Neurological, Nerve Net, Neurons, Brain Waves

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