Rodrigues, K. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2026

Large-Scale Network Embedding Predicts Opposing Functions of Adjacent Regions Within Human Prefrontal Cortex

Prefrontal regions are hypothesized to be organized hierarchically in support of cognitive control. Using precision functional MRI in three independent cohorts of intensively scanned participants (N=37), we consistently identified a lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) region linked to a canonical control network separate from a nearby rostral LPFC region linked to the action-mode network. Despite their spatial juxtaposition, the two regions were differentially coupled to the caudate and ventral putamen, suggesting they are components of segregated networks. Working memory demands activated the canonical LPFC control region but not the adjacent region. Contrasting go and no-go trials during target detection revealed a robust functional double dissociation during goal-directed behavior. The canonical LPFC control region activated when responses were withheld, while the putamen-coupled LPFC region increased activity during executed responses. These findings demonstrate that adjacent LPFC regions participate in opposing functions predicted by their embedding within distinct parallel large-scale networks.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2019

Exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy or lactation increases methylation while reducing the expression of Pdx1 and NEUROG3 in mouse pancreatic islets

Air pollution is comprised of several substances, including particulate matter (PM). Exposure to air pollution may trigger alterations in DNA methylation thus modifying gene expression patterns. This phenomenon is likely to mediate the relationship between exposure to air pollution and adverse health effects. The purpose of this study was analyzing the effects of exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy or lactation and whether it would cause multigenerational epigenetic alterations in the promoter region of the genes Pdx1 and NEUROG3 within mouse pancreatic islets. Our results show that maternal exposure to PM2.5 led to an elevation in blood glucose levels within the two following generations (F1 and F2). There was also an increase in DNA methylation in the aforementioned promoter regions accompanied by reduced gene expression in generations F1 and F2 upon F0 exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy. These data suggest that maternal exposure to PM2.5 from air pollution, particularly during pregnancy, may lead to a multigenerational and lifelong negative impact on glucose homeostasis mediated by an increase in DNA methylation within the promoter region of the genes Pdx1 and NEUROG3 in pancreatic islets.

genomics↗