Sex differences in functional network dynamics observed using coactivation pattern analysis

ABSTRACT Sex differences in the organization of large-scale resting-state brain networks have been identified using traditional static measures, which average functional connectivity over extended time periods. In contrast, emerging dynamic measures have the potential to define sex differences in network changes over time, providing additional understanding of neurobiological sex differences. To meet this goal, we used a Coactivation Pattern Analysis (CAP) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 181 males and 181 females from the Human Connectome Project. Significant main effects of sex were observed across two independent imaging sessions. Relative to males, females spent more total time in two transient network states (TNSs) spatially overlapping with the dorsal attention network and occipital/sensory-motor network. Greater time spent in these TNSs was related to females making more frequent transitions into these TNSs compared to males. In contrast, males spent more total time in TNSs spatially overlapping with the salience network, which was related to males staying for longer periods once entering these TNSs compared to females. State-to-state transitions also significantly differed between sexes: females transitioned more frequently from default mode network (DMN) states to the dorsal attention network state, whereas males transitioned more frequently from DMN states to salience network states. Results show that males and females spend differing amounts of time at rest in two distinct attention-related networks and show sex-specific transition patterns from DMN states into these attention-related networks. This work lays the groundwork for future investigations into the cognitive and behavioral implications of these sex-specific network dynamics.