Publication Type Academic Article
Authors Spellman T, Svei M, Kaminsky J, Manzano-Nieves G, Liston C
Journal Cell
Volume 184
Issue 10
Pagination 2750-2766.e17
Date Published 04/15/2021
ISSN 1097-4172
Keywords Cognition, Neurofeedback, Neurons, Prefrontal Cortex
Abstract Cognitive flexibility, the ability to alter strategy according to changing stimulus-response-reward relationships, is critical for updating learned behavior. Attentional set-shifting, a test of cognitive flexibility, depends on the activity of prefrontal cortex (PFC). It remains unclear, however, what role PFC neurons play to support set-shifting. Using optogenetics and two-photon calcium imaging, we demonstrate that medial PFC activity does not bias sensorimotor responses during set-shifting, but rather enables set-shifting by encoding trial feedback information, a role it has been known to play in other contexts. Unexpectedly, the functional properties of PFC cells did not vary with their efferent projection targets. Instead, representations of trial feedback formed a topological gradient, with cells more strongly selective for feedback information located further from the pial surface, where afferent input from the anterior cingulate cortex was denser. These findings identify a critical role for deep PFC projection neurons in enabling set-shifting through behavioral feedback monitoring.
DOI 10.1016/j.cell.2021.03.047
PubMed ID 33861951
PubMed Central ID PMC8684294
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