Parallel processing of working memory and temporal information by distinct types of cortical projection neurons

Jung Won Bae, Huijeong Jeong, Young Ju Yoon, Chan Mee Bae, Hyeonsu Lee, Se-Bum Paik and Min Whan Jung ()
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Jung Won Bae: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Huijeong Jeong: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Young Ju Yoon: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Chan Mee Bae: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Hyeonsu Lee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Se-Bum Paik: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Min Whan Jung: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: Abstract It is unclear how different types of cortical projection neurons work together to support diverse cortical functions. We examined the discharge characteristics and inactivation effects of intratelencephalic (IT) and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons—two major types of cortical excitatory neurons that project to cortical and subcortical structures, respectively—in the deep layer of the medial prefrontal cortex in mice performing a delayed response task. We found stronger target-dependent firing of IT than PT neurons during the delay period. We also found the inactivation of IT neurons, but not PT neurons, impairs behavioral performance. In contrast, PT neurons carry more temporal information than IT neurons during the delay period. Our results indicate a division of labor between IT and PT projection neurons in the prefrontal cortex for the maintenance of working memory and for tracking the passage of time, respectively.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24565-z

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