The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is crucial for economic decision-making. However, how PFC value representations facilitate flexible decisions remains unknown. We reframe economic decision-making as a navigation process through a cognitive map of choice values. We found rhesus macaques represented choices as navigation trajectories in a value space using a grid-like code. This occurred in ventromedial PFC (vmPFC) local field potential theta frequency across two datasets. vmPFC neurons deployed the same grid-like code and encoded chosen value. However, both signals depended on theta phase: occurring on theta troughs but on separate theta cycles. Finally, we found sharp-wave ripples-a key signature of planning and flexible behavior-in vmPFC. Thus, vmPFC utilizes cognitive map-based computations to organize and compare values, suggesting an alternative architecture for economic choice in PFC.
Journal article
2025-06-12T00:00:00+00:00
188
3259 - 3273.e22
cognitive map, grid cells, grid-like coding, prospect theory, sharp-wave ripples, theta frequency, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, Prefrontal Cortex, Macaca mulatta, Animals, Choice Behavior, Cognition, Male, Neurons, Decision Making, Theta Rhythm