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The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a highly evolved brain region critical for orchestrating complex cognitive behaviors, decision-making, and goal-directed activity. Historically recognized as the seat of executive functions, such as working memory, planning, and cognitive flexibility, the PFC is increasingly understood to support a diverse array of cognitive operations, including social cognition, emotional regulation, and metacognitive awareness. Recent advances in neuroimaging, neurophysiology, and computational modeling continue to deepen our understanding of how the PFC integrates information across neural circuits, shaping both adaptive behavior and vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders.

Despite significant progress, many questions remain regarding the precise mechanisms underlying prefrontal cognitive functions, their developmental trajectories, and their disturbances in clinical conditions. This Research Topic aims to elucidate the multiple dimensions of PFC involvement in executive processes, as well as less-explored areas such as motivation, affective regulation, and social cognition. We seek to bring together original research, reviews, and theoretical perspectives that clarify the PFC’s multifaceted roles, bridge gaps between basic and clinical neuroscience, and suggest novel approaches for enhancing cognitive health. By integrating findings from animal models, human studies, computational approaches, and clinical research, this collection aims to foster a more holistic understanding of prefrontal contributions to cognition and behavior.

Authors from diverse backgrounds, including experimental, clinical, and computational neuroscience, psychology, and related fields are encouraged to submit. We invite contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• Neural mechanisms of executive functions (e.g., working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility)

• Prefrontal involvement in emotion and motivation

• Social and metacognitive processes supported by the PFC

• Developmental and lifespan changes in PFC function

• Disruption of PFC functions in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders

• Innovations in imaging, computational modeling, or neurophysiological analysis of PFC activity

• Translational approaches and interventions targeting PFC cognitive functions

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Cognitive functions of the prefrontal cortex: executive processes and beyond