Choice-relevant information transformation along a ventrodorsal axis in the medial prefrontal cortex

Choice-relevant brain regions in prefrontal cortex may progressively transform information about options into choices. Here, we examine responses of neurons in four regions of the medial prefrontal cortex as macaques performed two-option risky choices. All four regions encode economic variables in similar proportions and show similar putative signatures of key choice-related computations. We provide evidence to support a gradient of function that proceeds from areas 14 to 25 to 32 to 24. Specifically, we show that decodability of twelve distinct task variables increases along that path, consistent with the idea that regions that are higher in the anatomical hierarchy make choice-relevant variables more separable. We also show progressively longer intrinsic timescales in the same series. Together these results highlight the importance of the medial wall in choice, endorse a specific gradient-based organization, and argue against a modular functional neuroanatomy of choice. Choice-relevant computations across the medial prefrontal cortex differ only quantitatively between areas. Here the authors suggest these computations may be organized along a functional gradient.

Automated summary

The study found that neurons in different regions of the prefrontal cortex exhibit similar features and encoding methods in choice-relevant computations, suggesting that these computations may be organized along a functional gradient. In addition, the research also explored the differences in task variable decodability and intrinsic timescales in these regions.