Correlation of Correlation Networks: High-Order Interactions in the Topology of Brain Networks

TL;DR

This study investigates high-order interactions in brain networks using correlation of correlation networks and topological analysis of resting-state fMRI, revealing new insights into brain function and network organization.

Contribution

It introduces the correlation of correlation networks combined with topological analysis as a novel approach to understanding high-order brain network interactions.

Findings

Correlation of correlation networks highlights network connections while preserving topology.

High-order interaction hubs are mainly in visual and fronto-parietal regions.

The method surpasses traditional correlation networks in revealing brain network structure.

Abstract

To understand collective network behavior in the complex human brain, pairwise correlation networks alone are insufficient for capturing the high-order interactions that extend beyond pairwise interactions and play a crucial role in brain network dynamics. These interactions often reveal intricate relationships among multiple brain networks, significantly influencing cognitive processes. In this study, we explored the correlation of correlation networks and topological network analysis with resting-state fMRI to gain deeper insights into these higher-order interactions and their impact on the topology of brain networks, ultimately enhancing our understanding of brain function. We observed that the correlation of correlation networks highlighted network connections while preserving the topological structure of correlation networks. Our findings suggested that the correlation of correlation networks surpassed traditional correlation networks, showcasing considerable potential for applications in various areas of network science. Moreover, after applying topological network analysis to the correlation of correlation networks, we observed that some high-order interaction hubs predominantly occurred in primary and high-level cognitive areas, such as the visual and fronto-parietal regions. These high-order hubs played a crucial role in information integration within the human brain.