Evolution of cerebro-cerebellar system investigated using resting-state functional connectivity in macaque and human

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15945
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 46030:Function of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Autio Joonas 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 生命機能科学研究センター, 上級研究員 (40755485)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Evolution / Cerebellum / Functional network

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we explored the evolution of the cerebro-cerebellar system by comparing resting-state functional connectivity in macaque monkeys and humans. Our findings revealed that the human cerebellum exhibits extensive functional circuits associated with working memory, higher-visual, default-mode, and language functions. In contrast, these circuits were either very small or negligible in macaque monkeys. Given that the cerebellum contains the majority of neurons in the primate brain, our findings suggest that the computational advantages provided by the cerebellum may significantly contribute to the emergence of human intelligence and the unique behaviors observed in our species within the primate lineage.

Free Research Field

Neuroscience

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

Understanding the evolutionary emergence of human behavior holds profound scientific and social interest. Our research provides valuable insights into this evolutionary process and suggests that the enlargement of higher-level cerebro-cerebellar functional connectivity underlies this development.