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Slower prefrontal metastable dynamics during deliberation predicts error trials in a distance discrimination task
Danilo Benozzo1, Giancarlo La Camera2, Aldo Genovesio1
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Cell Reports
|April 7, 2021
Summary
Neural dynamics slow down during errors in decision-making tasks. Metastable states in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) reveal crucial computations underlying behavior and errors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Cortical activity during decision-making errors is understudied.
- Understanding neural dynamics is key to deciphering cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trial-by-trial ensemble activity of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) neurons during a decision-making task.
- To investigate the role of metastable neural dynamics in erroneous behavior.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a hidden Markov model (HMM) for analyzing neural activity.
- Performed trial-by-trial segmentation of neuronal ensemble activity into metastable states.
- Studied rhesus monkeys performing a distance discrimination task.
Main Results:
- Metastable neural dynamics were found to slow down during error trials.
- State transitions at critical decision points took longer in difficult correct trials.
- These dynamic changes occurred during the decision interval, irrespective of trial difficulty.
Conclusions:
- Metastable cortical dynamics play a significant role in cognitive functions and behavior.
- The study highlights the importance of analyzing neural dynamics for understanding decision-making processes and errors.
