Consult any basic neuroscience textbook and the thalamus will be defined as a “relay” structure that passively connects sensory receptors in the periphery to areas of the primary sensory cortex. However, beyond these “first-order” thalamic nuclei, the thalamus contains many diverse nuclei that uniquely connect to subcortical and cortical areas and participate in functions that go beyond sensory perception. Thalamic nuclei that contribute to cognitive function are collectively known as “cognitive” thalamus and have been linked to neurological disorders that involve cognitive dysfunction. For example, although the hippocampus is well-known for its critical role in learning and memory, we have known for over a century that damage to the thalamus can result in profound amnesia. Similarly, although prefrontal cortex is closely associated with executive function, focal thalamic lesions lead to executive dysfunction.
The goal of this Research Topic is to draw together a diverse group of neuroscientists interested in how functional interactions between thalamic nuclei and cortical and subcortical brain regions contribute to cognitive processes such as memory, goal-directed behavior, decision-making, spatial cognition, and cognitive flexibility. This area of investigation could include studies aimed at understanding the impact of thalamic lesions on cognition with an emphasis on circuit manipulations, studies that use high-resolution brain imaging to investigate anatomical and functional differences between clinical populations with cognitive dysfunction and age-matched controls, and intervention studies that aim to restore the function of the thalamus and its associated connections in an attempt to rescue cognitive deficits.
1. Disruption of anatomical connection or functional connectivity between cognitive thalamus and subcortical/cortical brain regions in neurological disorders that present with cognitive impairment (imaging studies with human clinical populations).
2. Circuit-level manipulation of Inputs and outputs of cognitive thalamus paired with recordings and/or behavioral measures (Include optogenetic, chemogenetic manipulations in rodents and nonhuman primates).
3. Rescue of cognitive deficits through manipulation of cognitive thalamus and its connected brain regions.
Consult any basic neuroscience textbook and the thalamus will be defined as a “relay” structure that passively connects sensory receptors in the periphery to areas of the primary sensory cortex. However, beyond these “first-order” thalamic nuclei, the thalamus contains many diverse nuclei that uniquely connect to subcortical and cortical areas and participate in functions that go beyond sensory perception. Thalamic nuclei that contribute to cognitive function are collectively known as “cognitive” thalamus and have been linked to neurological disorders that involve cognitive dysfunction. For example, although the hippocampus is well-known for its critical role in learning and memory, we have known for over a century that damage to the thalamus can result in profound amnesia. Similarly, although prefrontal cortex is closely associated with executive function, focal thalamic lesions lead to executive dysfunction.
The goal of this Research Topic is to draw together a diverse group of neuroscientists interested in how functional interactions between thalamic nuclei and cortical and subcortical brain regions contribute to cognitive processes such as memory, goal-directed behavior, decision-making, spatial cognition, and cognitive flexibility. This area of investigation could include studies aimed at understanding the impact of thalamic lesions on cognition with an emphasis on circuit manipulations, studies that use high-resolution brain imaging to investigate anatomical and functional differences between clinical populations with cognitive dysfunction and age-matched controls, and intervention studies that aim to restore the function of the thalamus and its associated connections in an attempt to rescue cognitive deficits.
1. Disruption of anatomical connection or functional connectivity between cognitive thalamus and subcortical/cortical brain regions in neurological disorders that present with cognitive impairment (imaging studies with human clinical populations).
2. Circuit-level manipulation of Inputs and outputs of cognitive thalamus paired with recordings and/or behavioral measures (Include optogenetic, chemogenetic manipulations in rodents and nonhuman primates).
3. Rescue of cognitive deficits through manipulation of cognitive thalamus and its connected brain regions.
