Neuronal identity and cognitive control dynamics in the PFC

Abstract

Adaptive behavior is supported by context-dependent cognitive control that enables stable and flexible sensorimotor transformations. Impairments in this type of control are often attributed to dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, the underlying circuit principles of PFC function that support cognitive control have remained elusive. While the complex, diverse responses of PFC neurons to cognitive variables have been studied both from the perspective of individual cell activity and overall population dynamics, these two levels have often been investigated separately. This review discusses two specific cell groups, context/brain state responsive interneuron subtypes and output decoder neurons, that might bridge conceptual frameworks derived from these two research approaches. I highlight the unique properties and functions of these cell groups and discuss how future studies leveraging their features are likely to provide a new understanding of PFC dynamics combining single-neuron and network perspectives.