Prefrontal modulation of striatal engagement: a hierarchical framework for goal-directed behavior

We review Prefrontal-striatum interplay in goal-directed behavior, focusing on prefrontal (PFC) and striatal macro- and micro-domain interactions in hierarchical engagement with goals, strategies and actions. This dual-control framework posits a role for the striatal matrix in engaging with behavioral options- for automatization, and prefrontal modulation of striatal engagement for flexibility. Hierarchical prefronto-basal-ganglia loops incorporating ventral-, dorsomedial-, and dorsolateral striatum represent goals, strategies and actions respectively. The striatal "switchboard" enables engagement, a unified function across macro-domains, while its modulation by PFC operates through dual mechanisms: fast switching via direct matrix inputs, and slower, learning-based adaptation using a striosome-dopamine pathway.