M-BIC lecture: Christopher Petkov

Professor in Comparative Neuropsychology, Newcastle University, Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne

Human Laminar Circuit Motifs for Cognition and Language: From Neurons to Systems

abstract

Whether language and domain-general cognitive functions segregate or closely interact in the human brain remains controversial. We hypothesize the presence of a laminar entanglement of language and cognitive function even within brain areas often thought to be involved in domain-general cognition but not language. Investigating information flow across cortical layers, however, has been difficult in humans. Much of our knowledge on the function of cortical layers stems from direct neuronal recordings in nonhuman animals – precluding investigation of human specific functions such as language. In this joint presentation, Chris will first overview the launch of a BRAIN Initiative partnership, funded by the National Institutes of Health in the USA, involving Maastricht University. The primary aim of this research is to evaluate human laminar circuit motifs for language and working memory functions using a scalable approach capable of bridging single-cell laminar array recordings and high-resolution laminar-fMRI at 7 Tesla. To achieve this, we first acquire pre-operative laminar fMRI scans at 7T with neurosurgery patients engaged in a working memory and language task. Subsequently, laminar array recordings are obtained from the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex in deep brain stimulation patients or from the anterior temporal lobe in epilepsy patients. These recordings are conducted immediately prior to the patient’s clinical treatment procedure from tissue that would be disrupted by the clinical procedure. During the laminar recordings, the patients perform the same task they engaged in during the laminar fMRI session. A biophysical laminar fMRI model will integrate the neuronal and laminar fMRI data to create a generative model of human laminar circuit motifs. Hugo and Chris together will present some of the preliminary data from the laminar array recordings and high-resolution laminar fMRI. We also overview other approaches being pioneered, in collaboration with Dr Moerel at Maastricht University, to allow laminar recordings in epilepsy patients during their epilepsy monitoring period requiring intracranial recordings.