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Prefrontal neuronal dynamics in the absence of task execution

Author

Listed:
  • Shusen Pu

    (Vanderbilt University
    University of West Florida)

  • Wenhao Dang

    (Vanderbilt University)

  • Xue-Lian Qi

    (Wake Forest School of Medicine)

  • Christos Constantinidis

    (Vanderbilt University
    Vanderbilt University
    Vanderbilt University Medical Center)

Abstract

Prefrontal cortical activity represents stimuli in working memory tasks in a low-dimensional manifold that transforms over the course of a trial. Such transformations reflect specific cognitive operations, so that, for example, the rotation of stimulus representations is thought to reduce interference by distractor stimuli. Here we show that rotations occur in the low-dimensional activity space of prefrontal neurons in naïve male monkeys (Macaca mulatta), while passively viewing familiar stimuli. Moreover, some aspects of these rotations remain remarkably unchanged after training to perform working memory tasks. Significant training effects are still present in population dynamics, which further distinguish correct and error trials during task execution. Our results reveal automatic functions of prefrontal neural circuits allow transformations that may aid cognitive flexibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Shusen Pu & Wenhao Dang & Xue-Lian Qi & Christos Constantinidis, 2024. "Prefrontal neuronal dynamics in the absence of task execution," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-50717-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50717-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Valerio Mante & David Sussillo & Krishna V. Shenoy & William T. Newsome, 2013. "Context-dependent computation by recurrent dynamics in prefrontal cortex," Nature, Nature, vol. 503(7474), pages 78-84, November.
    5. Gregor Rainer & Wael F. Asaad & Earl K. Miller, 1998. "Selective representation of relevant information by neurons in the primate prefrontal cortex," Nature, Nature, vol. 393(6685), pages 577-579, June.
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