Network analyses of sensorimotor transformation by the novel fiber tract 'IPS-FG'

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K06729
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 48010:Anatomy-related
• Research Institution: Chiba University
• Principal Investigator: Yamaguchi Atsushi 千葉大学, 大学院医学研究院, 教授 (00314336)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 白質解剖 / 神経束追跡法Tractography / 連合線維 / 機能的 fMRI

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The human brain is composed of a complex network of nerve fiber bundles known as the connectome, which provides the neural basis for human cognitive functions. This study identified a novel association fiber bundle, "IPS-FG", by white matter dissection of the human brain. In this study, using precise white matter dissection, fiber tracking, and task-based fMRI data, we showed that the IPS-FG connects the IP1 region of the interparietal sulcus (IPS) to the PHA2 and TF regions of the spindle gyrus (FG), which are higher-order visual regions for recognizing letters and facial expressions. In addition, task-based fMRI images during motor association revealed functional connectivity between IPS and FG regions, suggesting that "IPS-FG" may contribute to sensory-motor conversion.

Free Research Field

神経解剖

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ヒトの脳はコネクトームとして知られる複雑な神経線維束ネットワークで構成され、ヒトの認知機能の神経基盤となる。しかし神経線維束ネットワークの十分な構造学的、機能的な解明は行われていない。本研究では、申請者らが報告した新規のヒト特有の連合線維である「IPS-FG」の構造学的、機能的解析を施行した。その結果、IPS-FGは運動連想のタスク負荷fMRI解析で有意な機能的結合性を認め視覚誘導性動作に関与する可能性が示唆された。本研究結果は、将来的にモノを掴む動作などの基本原理の解明、脳損傷患者の高次脳機能障害の解明、BMI(Brain-Machine Interface)への応用が期待される。