Distinct Neural Circuits Underlie Prospective and Concurrent Memory-Guided Behavior

Abstract

Summary: The past is the best predictor of the future. This simple postulate belies the complex neurobiological mechanisms that facilitate an individual’s use of memory to guide decisions. Previous research has shown integration of memories bias decision-making. Alternatively, memories can prospectively guide our choices. Here, we elucidate the mechanisms and timing of hippocampal (HPC), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and striatal contributions during prospective memory-guided decision-making. We develop an associative learning task in which the correct choice is conditional on the preceding stimulus. Two distinct networks emerge: (1) a prospective circuit consisting of the HPC, putamen, mPFC, and other cortical regions, which exhibit increased activation preceding successful conditional decisions and (2) a concurrent circuit comprising the caudate, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), and additional cortical structures that engage during the execution of correct conditional choices. Our findings demonstrate distinct neurobiological circuits through which memory prospectively biases decisions and influences choice execution. : Hamm and Mattfeld use fMRI to demonstrate that greater activations in the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, putamen, and other regions (prospective network) precede successful conditional decisions. In contrast, greater activations in the caudate, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and other regions (concurrent network) are associated with the execution of successful conditional behavior. Keywords: hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, striatum, putamen, caudate, fMRI, memory, decision-making