Thalamocortical
interaction
is
a
ubiquitous
functional
motif
in
the
mammalian
brain.
Previously
(Hwang
et
al.,
2021),
we
reported
that
lesions
to
network
hubs
human
thalamus
are
associated
with
multi-domain
behavioral
impairments
language,
memory,
and
executive
functions.
Here,
show
how
task-evoked
thalamic
activity
organized
support
these
broad
cognitive
abilities.
We
analyzed
magnetic
resonance
imaging
(MRI)
data
from
subjects
performed
127
tasks
encompassing
range
of
representations.
first
investigated
spatial
organization
found
basis
set
patterns
evoked
processing
needs
each
task.
Specifically,
anterior,
medial,
posterior-medial
exhibit
hub-like
profiles
suggestive
participation.
These
task
overlapped
interlinking
cortical
systems.
To
further
determine
relevance
thalamocortical
connectivity,
built
data-driven
model
test
whether
can
be
used
predict
activity.
The
predicted
task-specific
patterns,
outperformed
comparison
models
on
cortical,
hippocampal,
striatal
regions.
Simulated
low-dimensional,
multi-task
hub
regions
impaired
prediction.
This
simulation
result
was
supported
by
neuropsychological
patients
focal
lesions.
In
summary,
our
results
suggest
general
organizational
principle
system
supports
Neural
activity
underlying
working
memory
is
not
a
local
phenomenon
but
distributed
across
multiple
brain
regions.
To
elucidate
the
circuit
mechanism
of
such
activity,
we
developed
an
anatomically
constrained
computational
model
large-scale
macaque
cortex.
We
found
that
mnemonic
internal
states
may
emerge
from
inter-areal
reverberation,
even
in
regime
where
none
isolated
areas
capable
generating
self-sustained
activity.
The
pattern
along
cortical
hierarchy
indicates
transition
space,
separating
engaged
and
those
which
do
not.
A
host
spatially
distinct
attractor
found,
potentially
subserving
various
processes.
yields
testable
predictions,
including
idea
counterstream
inhibitory
bias,
role
prefrontal
controlling
attractors,
resilience
to
lesions
or
inactivation.
This
work
provides
theoretical
framework
for
identifying
mechanisms
principles
cognitive
Neuron,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
109(12), P. 1996 - 2008.e6
Published: May 11, 2021
Sensory
processing
involves
information
flow
between
neocortical
areas,
assumed
to
rely
on
direct
intracortical
projections.
However,
cortical
areas
may
also
communicate
indirectly
via
higher-order
nuclei
in
the
thalamus,
such
as
pulvinar
or
lateral
posterior
nucleus
(LP)
visual
system
of
rodents.
The
fine-scale
organization
and
function
these
cortico-thalamo-cortical
pathways
remains
unclear.
We
find
that
responses
mouse
LP
neurons
projecting
higher
likely
derive
from
feedforward
input
primary
cortex
(V1)
combined
with
many
subcortical
including
superior
colliculus.
Signals
projections
different
are
tuned
specific
features
stimuli
their
locomotor
context,
distinct
signals
carried
by
V1.
Thus,
transthalamic
functionally
target,
pathways,
combine
multiple
brain
regions,
linking
sensory
behavioral
context.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
Journal Year:
2020,
Volume and Issue:
117(23), P. 13066 - 13077
Published: May 27, 2020
Layer
6
(L6)
is
the
sole
purveyor
of
corticothalamic
(CT)
feedback
to
first-order
thalamus
and
also
sends
projections
higher-order
thalamus,
yet
how
it
engages
full
circuit
contribute
sensory
processing
in
an
awake
animal
remains
unknown.
We
sought
elucidate
functional
impact
L6CT
from
primary
visual
cortex
dorsolateral
geniculate
nucleus
(first-order)
pulvinar
(higher-order)
using
optogenetics
extracellular
electrophysiology
mice.
While
sustained
photostimulation
suppresses
activity
both
thalamic
nuclei
vivo,
moderate-frequency
(10
Hz)
stimulation
powerfully
facilitates
spiking.
show
that
each
paradigm
differentially
influences
balance
between
monosynaptic
excitatory
disynaptic
inhibitory
pathways
pulvinar,
as
well
prevalence
burst
versus
tonic
firing.
Altogether,
our
results
support
a
model
which
L6CTs
modulate
first-
through
parallel
are
highly
dynamic
context-dependent.
Neuron,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
109(21), P. 3500 - 3520.e13
Published: Sept. 17, 2021
Dopamine
is
required
for
working
memory,
but
how
it
modulates
the
large-scale
cortex
unknown.
Here,
we
report
that
dopamine
receptor
density
per
neuron,
measured
by
autoradiography,
displays
a
macroscopic
gradient
along
macaque
cortical
hierarchy.
This
incorporated
in
connectome-based
model
endowed
with
multiple
neuron
types.
The
captures
an
inverted
U-shaped
dependence
of
memory
on
and
spatial
patterns
persistent
activity
observed
over
90
experimental
studies.
Moreover,
show
crucial
filtering
out
irrelevant
stimuli
enhancing
inhibition
from
dendrite-targeting
interneurons.
Our
revealed
activity-silent
trace
can
be
realized
facilitation
inter-areal
connections
adjusting
induces
switch
this
internal
state
to
distributed
activity.
work
represents
cross-level
understanding
molecules
cell
types
recurrent
circuit
dynamics
underlying
core
cognitive
function
across
primate
cortex.
Nature Communications,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
12(1)
Published: April 23, 2021
Abstract
Knowledge
about
the
relevance
of
environmental
features
can
guide
stimulus
processing.
However,
it
remains
unclear
how
processing
is
adjusted
when
feature
uncertain.
We
hypothesized
that
(a)
heightened
uncertainty
would
shift
cortical
networks
from
a
rhythmic,
selective
processing-oriented
state
toward
an
asynchronous
(“excited”)
boosts
sensitivity
to
all
features,
and
(b)
thalamus
provides
subcortical
nexus
for
such
uncertainty-related
shifts.
Here,
we
had
young
adults
attend
varying
numbers
task-relevant
during
EEG
fMRI
acquisition
test
these
hypotheses.
Behavioral
modeling
electrophysiological
signatures
revealed
greater
lowered
rate
evidence
accumulation
individual
shifted
cortex
rhythmic
asynchronous/excited
regime,
neuromodulatory
arousal.
Crucially,
this
unified
constellation
within-person
effects
was
dominantly
reflected
in
uncertainty-driven
upregulation
thalamic
activity.
argue
processes
involving
play
central
role
brain
modulates
neural
excitability
face
momentary
uncertainty.