Cognitive functions of the GPe.
1Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Trends in Neurosciences
|June 5, 2026
Summary
The globus pallidus externus (GPe), a basal ganglia nucleus, is crucial for cognitive control. It dynamically regulates goal-directed behavior by encoding values, supporting flexibility, and optimizing actions to align with internal goals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- The globus pallidus externus (GPe) is a key nucleus within the basal ganglia.
- Traditionally viewed as part of the motor circuit, recent evidence highlights its significant role in cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on the GPe's role in cognitive control.
- To elucidate how the GPe dynamically regulates goal-directed behavior.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing findings from human, rodent, and non-human primate studies.
- Analysis of research investigating GPe function in attention, behavioral inhibition, and habit formation.
Main Results:
- The GPe encodes cue and action values, crucial for decision-making.
- It supports behavioral flexibility, allowing adaptation to changing environmental demands.
- The GPe modulates attention, behavioral inhibition, and habit formation processes.
Conclusions:
- The GPe is a critical hub for cognitive control, aligning behavior with internal goals.
- It achieves this by constraining, updating, and optimizing ongoing actions.
- Emerging evidence solidifies the GPe's non-motor functions in adaptive behavior.
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