# Cognitive Control, Working Memory and Prefrontal Cortex

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · 2021 · $488,995

## Abstract

Cognitive control and executive function are similar terms used to describe our ability to direct thought and
action based on our goals and intentions, rather than being driven automatically by the world around us. Given
that working memory (WM) is a crucial component underlying cognitive control, increased knowledge about
WM will be necessary to fully understand goal-directed behavior. Building on the progress we have made in
the previous funding period, the overall aim of the current proposal is to further advance and refine our
understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying working memory and cognitive control. In human
subjects, two methods will be used – functional MRI (fMRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS),
providing a convergent approach to test our hypotheses. Importantly, TMS allows for the establishment of the
causality of the fMRI findings. We will also be implementing two new TMS approaches – one that delivers
stimulation simultaneously with fMRI, and the other that transmits TMS pulses to the brain at different
oscillatory frequencies. Together, these novel methods will allow us to test hypotheses that could not be tested
previously. We will specifically focus on identifying the neural mechanisms that underlie both WM storage and
processing limits. We seek to understand these mechanisms at both the local level (e.g. how information is
stored in posterior sensory cortex during WM) and the network (systems) level (e.g. how interactions between
large-scale networks support WM processing). In particular, we seek to enter new territory by investigating the
interactions between local and systems-level processing in the service of goal-directed behavior. Loss of
cognitive control is marked by an over-dependence on external stimuli or strong associations to guide
responses, causing a loss of adaptive, goal-directed behavior. Thus, basic knowledge about cognitive control
can provide substantial insights into the nature of a large number of psychiatric and neurological disorders
affecting these cognitive abilities such as schizophrenia, attention-deficit disorder, substance addiction,
dementia, and traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, cognitive control deficits are challenging to treat, with few
therapeutic interventions. Thus, s greater understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive
control can lead to improved diagnosis and rehabilitation of many clinical disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10115802
- **Project number:** 5R01MH063901-19
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY
- **Principal Investigator:** MARK D'ESPOSITO
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $488,995
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2001-08-18 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10115802

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10115802, Cognitive Control, Working Memory and Prefrontal Cortex (5R01MH063901-19). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10115802. Licensed CC0.

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