Anticipatory processes in brain state switching — Evidence from a novel cued-switching task implicating default mode and salience networks

Abstract

The defaultmode network (DMN) is the core brain systemsupporting internally oriented cognition. The ability to attenuate theDMNwhen switching to externally oriented processing is a prerequisite for effective performance and
adaptive self-regulation. Right anterior insula (rAI), a core hub of the salience network (SN), has been proposed to
control the switching from DMN to task-relevant brain networks. Little is currently known about the extent of
anticipatory processes subserved by DMN and SN during switching. We investigated anticipatory DMN and SN modulation using a novel cued-switching task of between-state (rest-to-task/task-to-rest) and within-state
(task-to-task) transitions. Twenty healthy adults performed the task implemented in an event-related functional
magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) design. Increases in activity were observed in the DMN regions in response
to cues signalling upcoming rest. DMN attenuation was observed for rest-to-task switch cues. Obversely, DMN
was up-regulated by task-to-rest cues. The strongest rAI response was observed to rest-to-task switch cues. Taskto-
task switch cues elicited smaller rAI activation, whereas no significant rAI activation occurred for task-to-rest
switches. Our data provide the first evidence that DMN modulation occurs rapidly and can be elicited by short duration cues signalling rest- and task-related state switches. The role of rAI appears to be limited to certain switch types — those implicating transition from a resting state and to tasks involving active cognitive engagement.

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