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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.02.15.706044

Human Cerebral Cortex Organization Characterized by Functional PET-FDG "Metabolic Connectivity"

Du, P.·Coursey, S. E.·Xu, T.·Jamadar, S. D.·Nolin, S. A.·Wan, B.·Wey, H.-Y.·Polimeni, J. R.·Price, J. C.·Liu, Q.·Chen, J. E.
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Abstract

PurposeIn this study, we characterize the spatiotemporal organization of resting-state metabolic connectivity (RSMC) in the human brain, as measured by [18F]- fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) functional PET (fPET-FDG). We examine the relationship between RSMC organization and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging and other known cortical organizational principles. MethodsResting-state fPET-FDG data from 24 individuals were obtained from a publicly available repository. We characterized local metabolic organization using connectivity-based boundary mapping, with adaptations to account for the low signal-to-noise ratio of fPET-FDG data. We then estimated global metabolic organization through community detection-based network and principal gradient analyses. Furthermore, we examined how metabolic connectivity is shaped by temporal-frequency-specific components of fPET-FDG signal. Finally, we contextualized metabolic organization by relating metabolic gradients to anatomical, functional, and energetic reference measures. ResultsAt the local scale, boundary mapping results indicated structured transitions shaped by a combination of both fast and slow fPET-FDG signals, partly overlapping with RSFC boundary maps. Globally, RSMC analyses revealed a robust metabolic structure organized along a superior-inferior cortical gradient. This pattern remained consistent across network community detection and principal gradient analyses and was primarily driven by low-frequency, minute-scale fPET-FDG dynamics. The identified large-scale metabolic profile aligns closely with several known anatomical and energetic constraints. ConclusionThis study characterizes the spatiotemporal organizational principles of RSMC, deepening insight into the brains energetic framework and providing a basis for future cognitive and clinical investigations of metabolic connectivity organization.

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Du, P., Coursey, S. E., Xu, T., Jamadar, S. D., Nolin, S. A., Wan, B., Wey, H.-Y., Polimeni, J. R., Price, J. C., Liu, Q., Chen, J. E.. 2026-02-17. Human Cerebral Cortex Organization Characterized by Functional PET-FDG "Metabolic Connectivity". https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.15.706044

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