The human connectome: new approaches to mapping neural networks

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26641/1997-9665.2025.3.196-201

Keywords:

connectome, neural networks, diffusion tensor imaging, functional MRI, artificial intelligence, brain networks, neuroimaging.

Abstract

Background. The study of the human connectome, that is, the comprehensive map of structural and functional connections of the brain, is one of the key areas of modern neuroscience. Understanding the organization of neural networks opens new perspectives for diagnosing and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as for developing innovative approaches in neurotechnology. Recent decades have been characterized by the rapid advancement of imaging methods and computer modeling, which significantly expand our knowledge of brain network architecture. Objective. The aim of this article is to analyze modern methods of mapping the human connectome and to determine their advantages, limitations, and prospects for development. Methods. A review of publications in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science over the past two decades was conducted, focusing on structural and functional connectomics. Particular attention was paid to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetoencephalography (MEG), electroencephalography (EEG), as well as new approaches that combine multimodal techniques with artificial intelligence algorithms. Results. Structural connectomics is primarily based on DTI and tractography, which allow visualization of the brain’s major pathways, though with limited accuracy for smaller fibers. Functional connectomics relies on fMRI, EEG, and MEG, which capture synchronization of activity across brain regions in real time. The integration of structural and functional data provides a more complete picture of brain function. A promising direction is the application of artificial intelligence for analyzing large datasets, which enables the discovery of new patterns in neural network connectivity. Conclusions. Modern methods of human connectome mapping provide the foundation for a deeper understanding of the brain’s neural organization and hold significant potential in clinical neuroscience. Further development of multimodal technologies and machine learning algorithms will contribute to the creation of more accurate connectome models, which will help optimize diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of nervous system disorders.

References

  1. Sporns O, Tononi G, Kötter R. The human connectome: A structural description of the human brain. PLoS Comput Biol. 2005;1(4):e42. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.0010042.
  2. Hagmann P, Cammoun L, Gigandet X, Meuli R, Honey CJ, Wedeen VJ, Sporns O. Mapping the structural core of human cerebral cortex. PLoS Biol. 2008;6(7):e159. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio. 0060159.
  3. Van Essen DC, Smith SM, Barch DM, Behrens TE, Yacoub E, Ugurbil K; WU-Minn HCP Consortium. The WU-Minn Human Connectome Project: An overview. Neuroimage. 2013;80:62-79. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.05.041.
  4. Fornito A, Zalesky A, Bullmore ET. Fundamentals of Brain Network Analysis. 1st ed. San Diego: Academic Press; 2016.
  5. Biswal BB, Mennes M, Zuo XN, Gohel S, Kelly C, Smith SM, et al. Toward discovery science of human brain function. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2010;107(10):4734-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0911855107.
  6. Fox MD, Raichle ME. Spontaneous fluctuations in brain activity observed with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2007;8(9):700-11. doi: 10.1038/nrn2201.
  7. Van Dijk KR, Hedden T, Venkataraman A, Evans KC, Lazar SW, Buckner RL. Intrinsic functional connectivity as a tool for human connectomics: theory, properties, and optimization. J Neurophysiol. 2010;103(1):297-321. doi: 10.1152/jn.00783.2009.
  8. Deco G, Jirsa VK, McIntosh AR. Emerging concepts for the dynamical organization of resting-state activity in the brain. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2011;12(1):43-56. doi: 10.1038/nrn2961.
  9. Bassett DS, Bullmore ET. Small-world brain networks. Neuroscientist. 2006;12(6):512-23. doi: 10.1177/1073858406293182.
  10. Smith SM, Vidaurre D, Beckmann CF, Glasser MF, Jenkinson M, Miller KL, et al. Functional connectomics from resting-state fMRI. Trends Cogn Sci. 2013;17(12):666-82. doi: 10.1016/ j.tics.2013.09.016.
  11. Arslan S, Ktena SI, Makropoulos A, Robinson EC, Rueckert D, Parisot S. Human brain mapping: A systematic comparison of parcellation methods for the human cerebral cortex. Neuroimage. 2018;170:5-30. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage. 2017.04.014.
  12. Breakspear M. Dynamic models of large-scale brain activity. Nat Neurosci. 2017;20(3):340-52. doi: 10.1038/nn.4497.

Published

2025-10-30

How to Cite

Kozlovska , G., Demchenko , K., & Hrytsenko , A. (2025). The human connectome: new approaches to mapping neural networks. Морфологія / Morphologia / Morfologìâ, 19(3), 196–201. https://doi.org/10.26641/1997-9665.2025.3.196-201

Issue

Section

Статті