Oscillatory coordination during the updating of goal representations: Gate, switch and amplify fronto-striatal routing states.

Abstract:

Cognitive control entails three main cognitive factors: (1) Inhibitory control of distraction, (2) the continuous updating of goal-relevant representations, and the shifting of task sets. These three control processes are supported by a distributed network encompassing the anterior cingulate and lateral prefrontal cortex and the striatum, among others. This talk surveys how neuronal activity within this fronto-striatal network is coordinated during inhibitory control, updating, and shifting processes.

First, we illustrate that "Inhibitory Control" is closely linked to transient gamma activity of narrow spiking (putative) interneurons during the shifting of attention towards relevant over irrelevant information in the striatum. Second, we found that during the "Updating" of goal-representations fronto-striatal spiking activity transiently synchronizes and that this synchronization is amplified during inter-areal beta frequency bursts. Third, we show that spiking to phases of synchronized beta oscillations boosts information gain beyond average activity, carrying prediction error information that enhances the learning and "Shifting" of task relevant representations.

Together, the talk surveys evidence showing how oscillatory activity supports gating fronto-striatal routing states, amplifying information gain, and filtering distracting inputs.