New in JNeurosci , Ning Liu, from the Institute of Biophysics Chinese Academy of Sciences, explored whether brain structures for self-processing are conserved across primates, including humans, chimpanzees, and macaques.
The researchers compared small-scale structural properties and gene expression patterns between humans and macaques and discovered strong similarities. Comparing large-scale connections within self-processing brain systems across all three species revealed more differences, with chimpanzees occupying an intermediate position between macaques and humans. Elaborates Liu, "The brain system associated with internal bodily signals was most similar between macaques and chimpanzees, whereas the brain system associated with linking self-related information to the external environment was more similar between chimpanzees and humans. The brain system associated with abstract self-related representations showed the greatest differentiation across the three species."
Across the three species, the researchers also identified a reorganization of brain areas that process sensory, motor, and internal information to regulate bodily functions and coordinate responses to different conditions. The pattern of reorganization suggested a transition from a brain system organization associated with bodily processing toward a brain system organization associated with more abstract, mental forms of self-processing.
According to the researchers, this work helps identify which aspects of self-processing brain architecture are conserved across primates and which have been reorganized during primate evolution. Liu plans to combine the findings of this work with functional and behavioral measures of self-processing to gain a better understanding of how these brain systems relate to species differences in self-related cognition and behavior.
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About JNeurosci
JNeurosci was launched in 1981 as a means to communicate the findings of the highest quality neuroscience research to the growing field. Today, the journal remains committed to publishing cutting-edge neuroscience that will have an immediate and lasting scientific impact, while responding to authors' changing publishing needs, representing breadth of the field and diversity in authorship.
About The Society for Neuroscience
The Society for Neuroscience is the world's largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. The nonprofit organization, founded in 1969, now has nearly 35,000 members in more than 95 countries.
JNeurosci
10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0439-26.2026
Evolutionary Reorganization of the Self-Processing Network Across Primates
7-Sep-2026
The authors declare no competing financial interests.