Sent on behalf of Marcelo L. Berthier and Matthew A. Lambon Ralph

Dear colleagues

As host editors of an innovative open access journal, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, we are currently organizing a Special Topic centered around “Dissecting the function of networks underpinning language repetition”. We would be thrilled if you submitted an article to this Special Topic. A Frontiers’ Special Topic features the latest advances and challenges in hot research areas and attempts to unify the best researchers. It is a collection of at least ten articles, which may be comprised of any one of Frontiers’ article types. 

The proposed structure of this Special Topic is provided below and we would be happy to hear your suggestions. 

Hosting Journal: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Topic Title: Dissecting the function of networks underpinning language repetition

Host Editor(s): Marcelo L. Berthier, Matthew A. Lambon Ralph

Topic description

In the 19th century ground-breaking observations on aphasia by Broca and Wernicke suggested that language function depends on the activity of the cerebral cortex. At the same time, Wernicke and Lichtheim also elaborated the first large-scale network model of language which incorporated long-range and short-range (transcortical connections) white matter pathways in language processing. The arcuate fasciculus (dorsal stream) was traditionally viewed as the major language pathway for repetition, but scientists also envisioned that white matter tracts travelling through the insular cortex (ventral stream) and transcortical connections may take part in language processing. Modern cognitive neuroscience has provided tools, including neuroimaging, which allow the in vivo examination of short- and long-distance white matter pathways binding cortical areas essential for language. However, the state of the art on the neural correlates of language repetition reveals contradictory findings, with some researchers defending the role of the dorsal and ventral streams, whereas others argue that only cortical hubs (Sylvian parieto-temporal cortex [Spt]) are crucially relevant. 

An integrative approach would conceive that the interaction between these structures is essential for verbal repetition. For instance, different sectors of the cerebral cortex (e.g., Spt, inferior frontal gyrus/anterior insula) act as hubs dedicated to short-term storage of verbal information or articulatory planning and these areas in turn interact through forward and backward white matter projections. Importantly, white matter pathways should not be considered mere cable-like connections as changes in their microstructural properties correlate with focal cortical activity during language processing tasks. 

Despite considerable progress, many outstanding questions await response. Therefore, this topic welcomes contributors addressing the following questions (1) how white matter pathways instantiate dialogues between different cortical language areas; (2) what are the specific roles of different white matter pathways in language functions in normal and pathological conditions; (3) what are the language consequences of discrete damage to branches of the dorsal and ventral streams; 4) what are the consequences (e.g., release from inhibition) of damage to the left white matter pathways in contralateral ones and viceversa; (5) how these pathways are reorganised after brain injury; (5) can the involvement/sparing of white matter pathways be used in outcome prediction and treatment response; and (5) can the microstructure of white matter pathways be remodelled with intensive rehabilitation training or biological approaches. It is anticipated that the articles in this Research Topic will enhance the understanding of the neural organization of language repetition providing clues on therapeutic interventions of brain damaged individuals. 

Submission of original data is desirable, but we also encourage mini-reviews and perspective papers which offer provocative and insightful interpretations of the recent literature in the field. 

Abstract Submission Deadline: November 1, 2012

Researchers can participate by submitting a max. 1 page abstract/outline of work related to the focus of the research topic, through the Frontiers submission system, on or before the abstract submission deadline. Authors will be notified by the host editors whether their abstract has been accepted or rejected.

Article Submission Deadline: May 1, 2013

You may find submit abstracts and find more information by clicking on this link: http://www.frontiersin.org/Human_Neuroscience/researchtopics/Dissecting_the_function_of_net/1078

We look forward to hearing from you

Sincerely yours,


Marcelo L. Berthier
Matthew A. Lambon Ralph