Hierarchical fluctuation shapes a dynamic flow linked to states of consciousness

Ang Li (), Haiyang Liu, Xu Lei, Yini He, Qian Wu, Yan Yan, Xin Zhou, Xiaohan Tian, Yingjie Peng, Shangzheng Huang, Kaixin Li, Meng Wang, Yuqing Sun, Hao Yan, Cheng Zhang, Sheng He, Ruquan Han (), Xiaoqun Wang () and Bing Liu ()
Additional contact information
Ang Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Haiyang Liu: Capital Medical University
Xu Lei: Southwest University
Yini He: Beijing Normal University
Qian Wu: Beijing Normal University
Yan Yan: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xin Zhou: Beijing Normal University
Xiaohan Tian: Beijing Normal University
Yingjie Peng: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shangzheng Huang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Kaixin Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Meng Wang: Beijing Normal University
Yuqing Sun: Beijing Normal University
Hao Yan: Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health
Cheng Zhang: Peking University First Hospital
Sheng He: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ruquan Han: Capital Medical University
Xiaoqun Wang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Bing Liu: Beijing Normal University

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-20

Abstract: Abstract Consciousness arises from the spatiotemporal neural dynamics, however, its relationship with neural flexibility and regional specialization remains elusive. We identified a consciousness-related signature marked by shifting spontaneous fluctuations along a unimodal-transmodal cortical axis. This simple signature is sensitive to altered states of consciousness in single individuals, exhibiting abnormal elevation under psychedelics and in psychosis. The hierarchical dynamic reflects brain state changes in global integration and connectome diversity under task-free conditions. Quasi-periodic pattern detection revealed that hierarchical heterogeneity as spatiotemporally propagating waves linking to arousal. A similar pattern can be observed in macaque electrocorticography. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of principal cortical gradient preferentially recapitulated the genetic transcription levels of the histaminergic system and that of the functional connectome mapping of the tuberomammillary nucleus, which promotes wakefulness. Combining behavioral, neuroimaging, electrophysiological, and transcriptomic evidence, we propose that global consciousness is supported by efficient hierarchical processing constrained along a low-dimensional macroscale gradient.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38972-x

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