Prefrontal and Neuromodulatory Circuits in Cognitive Function and Dysfunction

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About this Research Topic

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Background

Bidirectional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the major monoamine neuromodulatory systems (i.e., dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine) underlies complex cognitive and emotive functions. Most current pharmacotherapy for psychiatric disorders directly targets these systems and they are central to many circuit-based models of pathophysiology (e.g., in depression, psychosis, attention deficit, etc.). However, because of the vast heterogeneity in these disorders, existing therapies are not universally effective. The prefrontal cortex and neuromodulatory systems undergo a prolonged maturation that allows experiences to hone exquisitely precise circuits, but also opens an extended window of vulnerability. Indeed, accumulation of genetic and environmental insults across development significantly enhances the risk of developing psychiatric disorders while also contributing to their heterogeneity.

A lack of detailed, circuit-level knowledge about how interactions between neuromodulatory systems and the PFC influence cognitive behaviors significantly impedes progress in these important areas. Until recently, the extraordinary complexity of these circuits has thwarted our ability to link circuit organization to specific behavioral functions. Over the last 10 years, new viral and genetic approaches for interrogating circuit function in vivo have transformed our capacity to address this deficit. The goal of this research topic is to leverage tools of modern neuroscience to link prefrontal and neuromodulatory circuits to adaptive and maladaptive cognitive states from developmental, anatomical and functional perspectives.

We are interested in primary research articles and reviews that address the following questions: How does neuromodulatory input influence disease-relevant patterns of prefrontal activity and vice versa? What is the role of feedback loops between prefrontal areas and neuromodulatory centers in cognition? How do gene-environment interactions during development alter the structure and function of these circuits? How do cell-type specific circuits embedded within heterogeneous prefrontal and neuromodulatory brain regions influence cognitive behaviors? By answering these questions, we will deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of cognition and inform more targeted treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Keywords: prefrontal cortex, neuromodulation;, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, cognition, circuits, development

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