New Research Uncovers Language Regions in the Cerebellum

Scientists at MIT's McGovern Institute for Brain Research, led by Evelina Fedorenko, have identified language-processing regions within the cerebellum, expanding the known language network beyond the neocortex. These significant findings were published on January 21 in the journal Neuron.

Expanding the Brain's Language Network

Previously, the language network was primarily understood to be located in the brain's neocortex. The new research extends this network to the cerebellum, a part of the brain traditionally associated with coordinating body movements.

Colton Casto, a graduate student in Fedorenko's lab, stated the importance of considering the cerebellum in language research.

The research addressed previous indications that the cerebellum contributes to language, such as activity detected in some functional imaging studies and language impairments observed after cerebellar damage. The team employed a systematic approach, analyzing functional brain imaging data from over 800 individuals as they performed various linguistic and non-linguistic tasks in an MRI scanner.

Key Discoveries: Cerebellar Language Regions

Casto identified four cerebellar areas consistently involved in language use. Three of these regions exhibited engagement during both language and certain non-linguistic tasks, suggesting a potential role in integrating information from different cortical areas for various cognitive functions.

A specific region in the right posterior cerebellum demonstrated activity patterns closely mirroring those of the neocortical language network.

This 'cerebellar satellite' region was active during language tasks but remained silent during non-linguistic tasks, indicating a specialized role in language processing.

Future Implications and Therapeutic Potential

The researchers plan to further investigate the precise function of this cerebellar satellite region. They will also explore its potential role in language learning, particularly during development or when individuals acquire new languages later in life.

The discovery may also hold implications for treating language impairments, such as aphasia, caused by damage to the neocortical language network. Fedorenko suggested that this cerebellar area could be a target for non-invasive stimulation to aid recovery.