Brain-wide functional mapping reveals deafening-induced cross-modal plasticity in mice

Motivation: Sensory deprivation in adults can induce substantial cortical reorganization. Goal(s): This study investigated how auditory deprivation influences sensory networks across the brain in young adult mice Approach: BOLD-fMRI on a 15.2T MRI was performed to determine brain-wide sensory reorganization in mice before and after deafening. Optical imaging and auditory cortex inactivation confirmed cross-modal plasticity associated with auditory input loss. Results: Deafening rapidly enhances responses to somatosensory and visual stimuli within their respective sensory pathways, and these responses also emerged in the deprived auditory cortex. This reorganization extended into the thalamus and secondary cortices, indicating widespread cross-modal plasticity beyond primary sensory areas. Impact: Our findings suggest that sensory deprivation can drive extensive functional reorganization, even in adulthood. Brain-wide functional imaging provides a powerful tool to reveal the scope and underlying mechanisms of cross-modal plasticity.