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Updated: Jan 18, 2026
Chronic Implantation of Whole-cortical Electrocorticographic Array in the Common Marmoset
Published on: February 1, 2019
From comparative connectomics to large-scale working memory modeling in macaque and marmoset
Loïc Magrou1, Panagiota Theodoni2, Amy F T Arnsten3
1Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Grossman Center for Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Comparing macaque and marmoset brains reveals key differences in prefrontal cortex projections, impacting working memory. Computational models show macaques resist distractors, while marmosets are sensitive, but this can be altered by adjusting connection weights.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Comparative Cognition
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Macaques and marmosets are key primate models for cognitive neuroscience.
- Significant anatomical and behavioral differences exist between these species.
- Macaques possess strong top-down prefrontal cortex to posterior parietal cortex projections, crucial for executive functions, which are absent in marmosets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a consensus mapping to bridge macaque and marmoset cortical atlases for direct connectome comparison.
- To build comparative computational models of the frontoparietal circuit for working memory in both species.
Main Methods:
- Created a consensus mapping between macaque and marmoset cortical atlases.
- Performed comparative connectomic analysis.
- Developed large-scale computational models of the frontoparietal circuit for working memory.
Main Results:
- The macaque model demonstrated resilience to distractors, essential for working memory.
- The marmoset model predicted sensitivity to distractibility, aligning with observed behaviors.
- Computational models showed that rescaling connection weights could reverse the distractor sensitivity trend.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a framework for comparative connectomics between primate species.
- Computational modeling highlights the role of frontoparietal circuit connectivity in working memory and species-specific cognitive traits.
- Findings suggest that specific connection weight adjustments can alter cognitive performance, offering insights into neural plasticity and potential interventions.
