Controlling phase-locked functional connectivity states with local perturbations to multi-regional brain circuits

Oscillatory synchrony is hypothesized to support information flow between brain regions, with different phase-locked patterns enabling flexible “functional connectivity”. Past work has proposed multistable phase-locking as a way for fixed networks to yield multiple functional states, without the need to rewire anatomical links. It is thus important to understand how state selection could be controlled to achieve on-demand reconfiguration of functional connectivity. Here, we investigate functional state control in small model networks of coupled oscillatory neural masses. In particular, starting with a deterministic system that exhibits multistability, we study the network response to external signals targeting only a single area. We identify conditions under which control signals (i) are ineffective, (ii) slightly modulate the current functional state (“state morphing”), or (iii) trigger transitions to topologically different functional connectivity motifs (“state switching”). We then show that these control strategies can also extend to a stochastic regime where oscillations are more irregular and where phase-locking is transient. These results add to a growing literature highlighting that control of dynamical multistability may provide a basis for flexible network operation.