Neural Plasticity Induced by Working Memory Training: Insights From Cortical Microstructure and Transcriptional Profiles

IF 5 1区医学 Q1 NEUROSCIENCES

CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Pub Date : 2025-07-30 DOI:10.1111/cns.70479

Tian Zhang, Yuntao Gao, Yijun Li, Lin Wu, Xinxin Lin, Yilin Hou, Wei He, Yuanqiang Zhu, Jun Jiang, Yuanjun Xie, Peng Fang

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Abstract

Aims

To investigate the effects of an 8-week standardized computerized working memory training (WMT) program on cortical microstructure, morphometric similarity network (MSN) changes, and associated genetic factors in healthy adults.

Methods

A total of 76 participants were divided into WMT and control groups. Cortical morphological measurements, including cortical thickness (CT) and fractional dimensions (FD), were measured. MSN changes based on CT and FD measures were analyzed. Additionally, partial least squares (PLS) analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between critical microstructural alterations and gene transcript expression levels.

Results

The WMT group exhibited reduced response times for updating, switching functions, and phonological loop tasks. The cortical morphological measurements revealed increases in CT in several right frontal regions, as well as FD in the frontopolar and middle frontal areas after WMT compared to baseline. Furthermore, significant decreases in MSN based on CT measures were found in specific occipital and intraparietal sulci. Similarly, the MSN of FD showed notable decreases in eigenvector and degree centrality in the left frontomarginal cortex and right middle temporal gyrus. PLS analysis revealed strong links between microstructural changes and gene expression, with PLS+ genes enriched in synaptic transmission, neural regulation, and energy metabolism, while PLS− genes were associated with intracellular transport, protein modification, and stress responses.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the subtle influences of WMT on brain structure and underlying biological processes, providing insights into its role in neural plasticity and suggesting potential genetic contributions to these structural changes.

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工作记忆训练诱导的神经可塑性：来自皮层微观结构和转录谱的见解

目的探讨8周标准化计算机化工作记忆训练（WMT）对健康成人皮层微结构、形态相似性网络（MSN）变化及相关遗传因素的影响。方法将76名被试分为两组：WMT组和对照组。皮质形态学测量，包括皮质厚度（CT）和分数维度（FD）测量。基于CT和FD测量分析了MSN的变化。此外，通过偏最小二乘（PLS）分析来研究关键微观结构改变与基因转录表达水平之间的关系。结果WMT组在更新、切换功能和语音回路任务上的反应时间缩短。皮层形态学测量显示，与基线相比，WMT后右额叶几个区域的CT以及额极和中额叶区域的FD均有所增加。此外，根据CT测量，在特定的枕沟和顶叶内沟发现显著的MSN下降。同样，FD的MSN在左侧额缘皮层和右侧颞中回的特征向量和度中心性也明显降低。PLS分析揭示了微观结构变化与基因表达之间的密切联系，其中PLS+基因与突触传递、神经调节和能量代谢有关，而PLS -基因与细胞内运输、蛋白质修饰和应激反应有关。结论这些发现突出了WMT对大脑结构和潜在生物学过程的微妙影响，为其在神经可塑性中的作用提供了新的见解，并提示了这些结构变化的潜在遗传因素。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics 医学-神经科学

CiteScore

7.30

自引率

12.70%

发文量

240

审稿时长

2 months

期刊介绍： CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics provides a medium for rapid publication of original clinical, experimental, and translational research papers, timely reviews and reports of novel findings of therapeutic relevance to the central nervous system, as well as papers related to clinical pharmacology, drug development and novel methodologies for drug evaluation. The journal focuses on neurological and psychiatric diseases such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and drug abuse.