Cerebellar and subcortical contributions to working memory manipulation
Abstract Working memory is critical for manipulating and temporarily storing information during cognitive tasks such as problem-solving. Most models focus primarily on cortical-cortical interactions, neglecting subcortical and cerebellar contributions. Given the extensive connectivity between the ce...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Communications Biology |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-08467-0 |
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| author | Joshua B. Tan Isabella F. Orlando Christopher Whyte Annie G. Bryant Brandon R. Munn Giulia Baracchini Maedbh King Claire O’Callaghan Eli J. Müller James M. Shine |
| author_facet | Joshua B. Tan Isabella F. Orlando Christopher Whyte Annie G. Bryant Brandon R. Munn Giulia Baracchini Maedbh King Claire O’Callaghan Eli J. Müller James M. Shine |
| author_sort | Joshua B. Tan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Working memory is critical for manipulating and temporarily storing information during cognitive tasks such as problem-solving. Most models focus primarily on cortical-cortical interactions, neglecting subcortical and cerebellar contributions. Given the extensive connectivity between the cerebellum, subcortex, and cortex, we hypothesize that they contribute distinct, yet complementary, functions during working memory manipulation. To test this, we used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to measure blood oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) activity while participants performed a mental rotation task. Our results revealed a distributed network spanning the cortex, subcortex, and cerebellum that differentiates rotated from non-rotated stimuli and correct from incorrect responses. Notably, delayed responses in premotor, subcortical, and cerebellar regions during incorrect trials, suggest that their precise recruitment is crucial for successful working memory manipulation. These findings expand current models of working memory manipulation, revealing the collaborative role of subcortical and cerebellar regions in coordinating higher cognitive functions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-92e24ff2090e431b8924921da9e69458 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2399-3642 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Communications Biology |
| spelling | doaj-art-92e24ff2090e431b8924921da9e694582025-08-20T03:05:56ZengNature PortfolioCommunications Biology2399-36422025-07-018111210.1038/s42003-025-08467-0Cerebellar and subcortical contributions to working memory manipulationJoshua B. Tan0Isabella F. Orlando1Christopher Whyte2Annie G. Bryant3Brandon R. Munn4Giulia Baracchini5Maedbh King6Claire O’Callaghan7Eli J. Müller8James M. Shine9Brain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneyBrain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneyBrain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneyBrain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneyBrain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneyBrain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneyDepartment of Psychology, University of CaliforniaBrain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneyBrain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneyBrain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneyAbstract Working memory is critical for manipulating and temporarily storing information during cognitive tasks such as problem-solving. Most models focus primarily on cortical-cortical interactions, neglecting subcortical and cerebellar contributions. Given the extensive connectivity between the cerebellum, subcortex, and cortex, we hypothesize that they contribute distinct, yet complementary, functions during working memory manipulation. To test this, we used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to measure blood oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) activity while participants performed a mental rotation task. Our results revealed a distributed network spanning the cortex, subcortex, and cerebellum that differentiates rotated from non-rotated stimuli and correct from incorrect responses. Notably, delayed responses in premotor, subcortical, and cerebellar regions during incorrect trials, suggest that their precise recruitment is crucial for successful working memory manipulation. These findings expand current models of working memory manipulation, revealing the collaborative role of subcortical and cerebellar regions in coordinating higher cognitive functions.https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-08467-0 |
| spellingShingle | Joshua B. Tan Isabella F. Orlando Christopher Whyte Annie G. Bryant Brandon R. Munn Giulia Baracchini Maedbh King Claire O’Callaghan Eli J. Müller James M. Shine Cerebellar and subcortical contributions to working memory manipulation Communications Biology |
| title | Cerebellar and subcortical contributions to working memory manipulation |
| title_full | Cerebellar and subcortical contributions to working memory manipulation |
| title_fullStr | Cerebellar and subcortical contributions to working memory manipulation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Cerebellar and subcortical contributions to working memory manipulation |
| title_short | Cerebellar and subcortical contributions to working memory manipulation |
| title_sort | cerebellar and subcortical contributions to working memory manipulation |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-08467-0 |
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