# Posterior cingulate cortex and executive control of episodic memory

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2022 · $728,840

## Abstract

Project Summary
Episodic memory involves the encoding and retrieval of past experiences to support learned behavior. Aside
from these mnemonic processes, it also requires the ability to regulate memory (i.e. executive processes). For
example, many real-world decisions will engage episodic retrieval, for which executive processes must help to
integrate and evaluate the quality of remembered information (mnemonic evidence) and guide behavior to
either decision, action, or continued memory search. While the neural basis of episodic memory encoding and
retrieval have been a major focus of research, far less is known about its executive aspects. Executive
mnemonic functions likely involve an anatomical substrate that is (i) multisensory/associative, (ii) engaged by
memory/executive processing, and (iii) strongly interconnected with both mnemonic regions in the medial
temporal lobe (MTL) and executive prefrontal (PFC) regions. Prior non-human primate studies, as well as
human electrophysiology and neuroimaging data, suggest that posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) fulfills these
criteria. Our central hypothesis is that the PCC plays a critical and unique role in executive control of episodic
memory retrieval. We further hypothesize that it comprises three subregions regions: dorsal PCC, ventral PCC
and retrosplenial cortex (RSC). These subregions are proposed to play complementary roles, corresponding to
retrieval regulation, retrieval integration, and scene perception and transformation, respectively. In this
account, PCC is a convergence zone of memory and executive systems, whose specific functional
organization accounts for prior discrepancies between studies and species. Here, we utilize human intracranial
recordings, including single unit data and stimulation within PCC, to better resolve the functional organization
of this region. We will therefore employ an array of cognitive experiments to delineate three PCC subregions
supporting the encoding, retrieval and executive control of memory processing (Aim 1). In delineating these
subregions, we will also seek to differentiate PCC responses from those occurring in memory (MTL) and
executive (dlPFC & ACC) functional networks (Aim 2). Finally, based on these observations, we will
demonstrate the causal role of PCC subregions on behavior and local/network activity (Aim 3). By studying
PCC, a convergence zone of memory and executive systems, progress can be made in elucidating how the
failure to successfully leverage past experiences in daily behavior can occur as a common symptom of both
neurodegenerative disease (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease) and multiple psychiatric conditions (e.g. schizophrenia)
implicating PCC dysfunction.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10420112
- **Project number:** 1R01MH129439-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Brett Foster
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $728,840
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-07-15 → 2027-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10420112

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10420112, Posterior cingulate cortex and executive control of episodic memory (1R01MH129439-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10420112. Licensed CC0.

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