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Prefrontal cortex interneurons and their contributions to attention, working memory, and adaptive behavior
Kianoush Banaie Boroujeni1, Pooja Balaram2, Paul Tiesinga3
1Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States.
Progress in Neurobiology
|January 1, 2026
Summary
Inhibitory interneurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are crucial for cognitive functions. Recent studies reveal specific interneuron subtypes (eType) involved in attention, working memory, and learning, using molecular and computational approaches.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Inhibitory interneurons regulate cortical circuit activity, essential for higher-order cognitive functions.
- Understanding interneuron roles in prefrontal cortex (PFC) circuits is critical for deciphering attention, working memory, and adaptive behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey recent advancements in understanding molecular, functional, and computational aspects of PFC interneurons.
- To integrate findings from rodent and nonhuman primate studies on interneuron subtypes and their cognitive roles.
Main Methods:
- Review of transcriptomic, molecular, and electrophysiological data from PFC interneurons.
- Analysis of functional roles of identified interneuron 'eTypes' during cognitive tasks.
- Integration of computational models suggesting circuit motifs for interneuron function.
Main Results:
- Specific electrophysiologically identified (eType) interneurons are recruited during attention, learning, and working memory tasks.
- In nonhuman primate PFC, eType interneurons encode relevant cues, unexpected outcomes, and modulate working memory.
- Functional profiles of primate eType interneurons align with rodent PV+, SST+, and VIP+ interneuron specializations.
Conclusions:
- Distinct interneuron subtypes possess specialized roles within PFC circuits, contributing to cognitive flexibility.
- Advanced molecular and computational tools are enhancing our understanding of interneuron contributions to cognition.
- Interneurons flexibly route information, compute prediction errors, and support memory retention in working memory.
Keywords:
Beta oscillationsCalbindinCalretininGamma oscillationsNeuronal synchronizationParvalbuminSomatostatinTheta oscillationsMore Related Videos
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