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Gene transcription, neurotransmitter, and neurocognition signatures of brain structural-functional coupling variability

Author

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  • Lin Jiang

    (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    Fudan University)

  • Sarah Genon

    (Research Center Jülich
    Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf)

  • Jiayu Ye

    (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    University of Electronic Science and Technology of China)

  • Yan Zhu

    (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    University of Electronic Science and Technology of China)

  • Guangying Wang

    (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    University of Electronic Science and Technology of China)

  • Runyang He

    (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    University of Electronic Science and Technology of China)

  • Pedro A. Valdes-Sosa

    (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    Cuban Center for Neurocience)

  • Feng Wan

    (University of Macau)

  • Dezhong Yao

    (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    Zhengzhou University
    Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences)

  • Simon B. Eickhoff

    (Research Center Jülich
    Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf)

  • Debo Dong

    (Research Center Jülich
    Southwest University)

  • Fali Li

    (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences)

  • Peng Xu

    (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
    Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences)

Abstract

The relationship between brain structure and function, known as structural-functional coupling (SFC), is highly dynamic. However, the temporal variability of this relationship, referring to the fluctuating extent to which functional profiles interact with anatomy over time, remains poorly elucidated. Here, we propose a framework to quantify SFC temporal variability and determine its neurocognitive map, genetic architecture, and neurochemical basis in 1206 healthy human participants. Results reveal regional heterogeneity in SFC variability and a composite emotion dimension co-varying with variability patterns involving the dorsal attention, somatomotor, and visual networks. The transcriptomic signatures of SFC variability are enriched in synapse- and cell cycle-related biological processes and implicated in emotion-related disorders. Moreover, regional densities of serotonin, glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, and opioid systems are predictive of SFC variability across the cortex. Collectively, SFC variability mapping provides a biologically plausible framework for understanding how SFC fluctuates over time to support macroscale neurocognitive specialization.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin Jiang & Sarah Genon & Jiayu Ye & Yan Zhu & Guangying Wang & Runyang He & Pedro A. Valdes-Sosa & Feng Wan & Dezhong Yao & Simon B. Eickhoff & Debo Dong & Fali Li & Peng Xu, 2025. "Gene transcription, neurotransmitter, and neurocognition signatures of brain structural-functional coupling variability," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63000-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63000-5
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