This review article examines the use of rodent fMRI as a vital tool for understanding brain dysconnectivity in human psychiatric and neurological disorders. While human imaging identifies atypical connectivity patterns, it cannot easily reveal the biological mechanisms or cellular origins of these deficits. By utilizing animal models, researchers can bridge this gap through causal manipulations, such as genetic modifications and neuromodulatory system interventions. The authors highlight the significant spatiotemporal homologies between rodent and human brain networks, which validates the cross-species translation of findings. Furthermore, the text discusses the evolution toward awake imaging and the integration of optogenetics and chemogenetics to decode how microcircuit imbalances manifest as macroscale network dysfunction. Ultimately, these preclinical platforms offer a path to transform general imaging markers into specific mechanistic insights for mental illness.

References:

• Modeling Brain Dysconnectivity in RodentsGozzi, Alessandro et al.Biological Psychiatry, Volume 93, Issue 5, 419 - 429