Brain circuits reveal adaptable memory systems in prefrontal cortex

A team of neuroscientists at MIT has uncovered evidence that the prefrontal cortex contains neural circuits capable of switching functions between sensory memory and action planning. Unlike previously understood systems, these circuits do not remain dedicated to a single task but instead adapt their role depending on cognitive demands. The findings emerged from experiments involving mice trained to distinguish auditory signals and respond accordingly, with researchers monitoring neural activity across both prefrontal and parietal regions. While neurons in the parietal cortex consistently encoded sensory information, those in the prefrontal cortex exhibited remarkable flexibility, toggling between storing sensory input and preparing action sequences. This adaptability aligns with the broader concept of compositional cognition, suggesting the brain assembles cognitive processes from reusable neural modules much like building blocks. The discovery could reshape understanding of how memory and decision-making interact in the brain, offering potential insights into disorders where cognitive flexibility is impaired. The study was supported by multiple funding bodies, including the National Institutes of Health and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory.