Frontal Cortex Structure and Function Across Model Systems

The frontal cortex is involved in all aspects of cognition and behavior. With the advent of a number of recently developed powerful tools for dissecting circuits, interest in animal models of frontal cortex networks has grown at a pace equaling human studies. Having a forum for discussion among the diverse community interested in the frontal cortex could have a major positive impact on understanding of this complex brain region across species. For example, most electrophysiological studies in prefrontal cortex are conducted in monkeys, but there is growing interest in mouse and rat electrophysiology in frontal cortex, combined with newer tools. Similarly, more behavioral research on the frontal cortex using animal models has been conducted using rats. However, the majority of studies using optogenetics and other molecular tools such as genetically encoded calcium and voltage sensors have been conducted in mice. In parallel, there has been a tremendous growth of interest in contributions of the frontal cortex in the fields of learning and memory, especially by fear researchers. These researchers rarely interact with those interested in more traditional frontal cortex topics such as the neural basis of decision making and executive control. Finally, the anatomical nomenclature used to define frontal and prefrontal regions in rodents, non-human primates, and humans has not converged, and this has created a good deal of confusion about the meaning of preclinical findings in animal studies for understanding clinical issues in humans. A key to addressing this issue is to bridge exciting new developments in rodent, nonhuman, and human primate PFC: this meeting will gather together researchers working on both rodent and primate model systems.