Structural controllability predicts functional patterns and neuromodulatory benefits associated with working memory

Abstract

The brain is an inherently dynamic system, and much work has focused on the ability to modify neural activity through both local perturbations and changes in the function of global network ensembles. Network controllability is a recent concept in network science that purports to predict the influence of individual cortical sites on global network states and state changes, thereby creating a unifying account of local influences on global brain dynamics. Here, we present an integrated set of multimodal brain–behavior relationships, acquired from functional magnetic resonance imaging during a transcranial magnetic stimulation intervention, that demonstrate how network controllability influences network function, as well as behavior. This work helps to outline a clear technique for integrating structural network topology and functional activity to predict the influence of a potential stimulation target on subsequent behaviors and prescribes next steps towards predicting neuromodulatory and behavioral responses after brain stimulation. Highlights - This study tested the strength of inferences given by network controllability using fMRI and rTMS - Controllability correlates with the modulation of a functional network associated with increasing working memory demand - Controllability is also correlated with the memory improvement from applied rTMS - These findings link network control theory with physiology and behavior. In brief Beynel et al. show that the benefits of functionally targeted brain stimulation on working memory performance can be predicted by network control properties at the stimulated site. Structural controllability and functional activity independently predict this cognitive benefit.