An externally validated resting-state brain connectivity signature of pain-related learning.

Kincses B., Forkmann K., Schlitt F., Jan Pawlik R., Schmidt K., Timmann D., Elsenbruch S., Wiech K., Bingel U., Spisak T.

Pain can be conceptualized as a precision signal for reinforcement learning in the brain and alterations in these processes are a hallmark of chronic pain conditions. Investigating individual differences in pain-related learning therefore holds important clinical and translational relevance. Here, we developed and externally validated a novel resting-state brain connectivity-based predictive model of pain-related learning. The pre-registered external validation indicates that the proposed model explains 8-12% of the inter-individual variance in pain-related learning. Model predictions are driven by connections of the amygdala, posterior insula, sensorimotor, frontoparietal, and cerebellar regions, outlining a network commonly described in aversive learning and pain. We propose the resulting model as a robust and highly accessible biomarker candidate for clinical and translational pain research, with promising implications for personalized treatment approaches and with a high potential to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms of pain-related learning.

DOI

10.1038/s42003-024-06574-y

Type

Journal article

Publication Date

2024-07-17T00:00:00+00:00

Volume

7

Keywords

Humans, Male, Female, Adult, Brain, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Pain, Learning, Young Adult, Rest, Brain Mapping

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