The prefrontal cortex and the cellular logic of cognition

The term prefrontal cortex (PFC) denotes a region of the cerebral cortex in the front part of the frontal lobes of mammals. However, the function of this brain area across species remain unresolved.

Cognition is an umbrella term for a diverse set of mental functions integral to our everyday life and is considered to rely on proper functioning of the PFC. Dysfunction of the PFC has been connected to most neuropsychiatric disorders. The overall aim of the project is to provide a comprehensive view of how the PFC functionsand enables cognition.

Investigations in model animals are needed for elucidation of the cellular mechanisms by which neurons and circuits generate the computations underlying cognition, and the studies are conducted in mice to exploit the modern toolbox privileged to research in this species.

Large-scale electrophysiology will be used in behaving mice, for characterization of neuronal activity encoding specific cognitive domains. Optogenetics and voltage imaging will be used for mechanistic investigations. The project (three aims) will be conducted in my lab, with input from collaborators.

Data collection will take 2-3 yrs, and the analysis the whole 5 yr period.

If we are to understand how changes in the brain’s networks and operations give rise to symptomatology in neuropsychiatric disorders, we must first understand the brain, and the research is formulated to provide insight to the mechanisms of cognition at the cellular, network, and behavioral levels.