Single-pulse optogenetic perturbation of thalamo-cortical networks reveals functional architecture of rsfMRI networks

Motivation: A current overarching challenge in neuroscience is to establish an integrated understanding of brain circuits and networks, particularly the interactions of neural populations across various spatiotemporal scales that give rise to functions and behavior. Goal(s): We posit that dissecting rsfMRI dynamics under direct single-pulse optogenetic modulation of thalamo-cortical networks will reveal critical insights into the functional architecture of rsfMRI networks. Approach: We deployed a computational approach (i.e., Gaussian PCA-HMM) to examine the organization of rsfMRI networks before and upon single-pulse stimulation of thalamus. Results: We demonstrated a significant role of the basal forebrain and hypothalamus in regulating the transient dynamics of rsfMRI networks. Impact: The ability to directly perturb and model dynamics of rsfMRI networks present an unprecedented opportunity to understand brain-wide and higher-order circuits/networks, and their functions, which are difficult to probe using traditional behavioral and/or cognitive tasks and other neuroimaging approaches.