Examining the changes of default-mode network in the developmental brain of transgenic monkeys with Huntington’s disease using rsfMRI

Motivation: The dysfunction of the default-mode network (DMN) in Huntington Disease (HD) patients has been reported in previous studies, but the results remain inconclusive. Goal(s): This study aimed to investigate the dysfunction of the DMN during the evolution of the disease using a transgenic monkey model. Approach: Four HD and 4 age-matched wild-type monkeys were utilized and functional connectivity (FC) data at 3, 4 and 5 years of age were analyzed. Results: Decreased FC in posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) - PCC and increased FC in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) - PCC in HD monkeys were observed. Impact: The findings suggest divergent FC alteration patterns in different DMN area exist concurrently with the evolution of the disease, and the monkey models could provide a unique platform for preclinical studies of dysfunctionality and cognitive decline in HD.