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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.03.27.714929

Directed information flow across the metabolic network of the human brain

Deery, H. A.·Liang, E.·Moran, C.·Egan, G. F.·Jamadar, S. D.
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Abstract

Brain function is organised in distributed circuits in which regional engagement unfolds over time, reflecting coordinated and temporally ordered patterns of neural computation and information flow. Neural activity also depends on a reliable and scalable supply of glucose. Yet, the temporal order and direction of metabolic signalling in brain circuits remain unknown. Here, we combine functional Positron Emission Tomography (fPET) with [18F]-flurodeoxyglucose and Granger causality analysis to characterise directed metabolic connectivity in cognitive control, memory and affective regulatory circuits in 86 healthy adults. We observed widespread directed metabolic influences within the circuits, with the strength of connections a significant predictor of cognition and affect. The behavioural value of the connections was also governed by the efficiency with which baseline glucose metabolism was converted into adaptive functional connections. We conclude that the brain is organised into metabolic circuits that coordinate temporally ordered connectivity to support information transfer. Directed connections vary in their efficiency of glucose use and functional benefit, suggesting that metabolic signalling does not follow a simple "more is better" rule but reflects context-dependent optimisation across cognitive systems. Author SummaryActivity in the regions of brain circuits unfolds over time, reflecting coordinated and temporally ordered patterns of neural computation. However, it is currently unclear how the intrinsic architecture of the human brains metabolic network supports temporally ordered information flow. Using functional Positron Emission Tomography (fPET) and Granger causality analysis, we identify widespread directed metabolic influences within cognitive control, memory, and affective regulatory circuits. We report that metabolic signalling reflects structured, hierarchical dynamics that predict cognitive performance and psychosocial function. Our results indicate that the brain optimises energetic resources through context-dependent signalling: proactive control requires high metabolic investment, while memory circuits benefit from economical use of glucose. These findings suggest that the brains metabolic architecture is organised to support information flow in functional circuits.

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Deery, H. A., Liang, E., Moran, C., Egan, G. F., Jamadar, S. D.. 2026-03-31. Directed information flow across the metabolic network of the human brain. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.03.27.714929

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