Low-dimensional neural geometry underlies distributed goal representations in working memory

Abstract

Successful goal-directed behavior requires the maintenance and implementation of abstract task goals on concrete stimulus information in working memory. Previous working memory research has revealed distributed neural representations of task information across cortex. However, how the distributed task representations emerge and communicate with stimulus-specific information to implement flexible goal-directed computations is still unclear. Here, leveraging EEG and fMRI along with state space analyses, we provided converging evidence in support of a low-dimensional neural geometry of goal information consistent with a designed task space, which first emerged in frontal cortex during goal maintenance and then transferred to posterior sensory cortex through frontomedial-to-posterior theta coherence for implementation on stimulus-specific representations. Importantly, the fidelity of the goal geometry predicted memory performance. Collectively, our findings suggest that abstract goals in working memory are represented in an organized, low-dimensional neural geometry for communications from frontal to posterior cortex to enable computations necessary for goal-directed behaviors.