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Prefrontal parvalbumin neurons mediate working memory in a task demand-dependent manner.
Tyler D Dexter1,2, Meira M F Machado3, Shahnaza Hamidullah4,3
1Neuroscience Program, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada. tydexter@health.ucsd.edu.
Nature Communications
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Prefrontal cortex parvalbumin-expressing neurons are crucial for high-demand working memory. Their activity levels directly correlate with task difficulty, resolving previous conflicting findings on their role.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is vital for working memory.
- Parvalbumin-expressing neurons (PVNs) are inhibitory cells in the PFC, implicated in cognitive functions but with conflicting roles in working memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific role of prefrontal PVNs in working memory.
- To determine how PVN activity relates to task demands in working memory paradigms.
Main Methods:
- In vivo fiber photometry and optogenetics were used in mice.
- PVN activity was recorded and manipulated during a touchscreen working memory task.
Main Results:
- PVN involvement in working memory was found to be task-dependent.
- Heightened PVN activity was necessary only under high-demand working memory conditions.
Conclusions:
- The role of prefrontal PVNs in working memory is contingent on cognitive load.
- Task difficulty differences may explain prior conflicting results on PVN function in working memory.
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