Cellular and network dynamics of temporal lobe memory structures

颞叶记忆结构的细胞和网络动力学

• 批准号: RGPIN-2016-06576
• 负责人: Dickson, Clayton
• 金额: $ 2.55万
• 依托单位: University of Alberta
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2018
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2018-01-01 至 2019-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=649265
• 关键词: Cellular; network; dynamics; temporal; lobe

***My laboratory investigates the neural processes that underlie memory permanence (consolidation). We are most interested in the episodic subtype of memory which can be described as recollections of the “who, what, where, and when” aspects of unique experiences. These memories are dependent on the medial temporal lobe memory system which includes the broad inter-connections between the neocortex and the hippocampus in the brain. The patterns of neural activity in this extended circuit are not only important for encoding memories as they occur (that is, ONLINE memory encoding) but also for strengthening existing memories after the fact (that is, OFFLINE memory consolidation). Our laboratory is especially interested in how different patterns of offline spontaneous activity in the period just after active learning (especially during slow-wave sleep) may play a role in memory consolidation.* ***The period just after learning has been demonstrated to be essential to the maintenance of memory itself. For example, following a particular novel episodic experience, hippocampal neuronal activity is known to “replay” the actual sequenced patterns that replicate those occurring during the actual experience itself. This replay may be a form of “neural rehearsal” since the more it occurs, the better future memory performance for that specific information actually is (and vice versa – interfering with replay worsens subsequent memory performance). This can be summarized by the saying: “practice makes permanent”. The ability of the brain to engage in this rehearsal also appears to be state dependent, occurring only when the brain is actually “offline”, for example during sleep. Thus, studying how this activity can take place is important to understand its role in consolidation.* ***Our continuing program will focus on 3 main objectives: 1) To identify and characterise the circuit dynamics in the medial temporal lobe that shape slow-wave offline states using intensive and extensive neurophysiological methods and optogenetics. 2) To use this information to assess how manipulations of circuit dynamics during slow-wave and other offline states might directly affect memory consolidation. 3) To contrast and compare our activity-dependent model of memory permanence to the more classic molecular synaptic model.Understanding the brain mechanisms of memory is likely one of the most intriguing and potentially important questions in neuroscience today. Our research will help shape how we might optimally deliver information in order to ameliorate memory. Another important and direct contribution of our research program will be to evaluate very simple manipulations that might have profound influences on modulating memory strength and longevity.

* 我的实验室研究了记忆持久性（巩固）的神经过程。我们最感兴趣的是记忆的情景子类型，它可以被描述为对独特经历的“谁、什么、在哪里和什么时候”的回忆。这些记忆依赖于内侧颞叶记忆系统，该系统包括大脑中新皮层和海马体之间广泛的相互连接。 这一延伸回路中的神经活动模式不仅对记忆编码（即在线记忆编码）很重要，而且对事后强化现有记忆（即离线记忆巩固）也很重要。我们的实验室特别感兴趣的是，在主动学习后的一段时间（特别是在慢波睡眠期间），离线自发活动的不同模式如何在记忆巩固中发挥作用。* 学习后的这段时间已经被证明对记忆本身的维持至关重要。例如，在一个特定的新的情节体验之后，海马神经元的活动被称为“重放”实际的序列模式，复制那些在实际体验本身期间发生的模式。这种重放可能是一种形式的“神经排练”，因为它发生得越多，对该特定信息的未来记忆性能实际上就越好（反之亦然-重放干扰了随后的记忆性能）。这可以用一句话来概括：“熟能生巧”。 大脑参与这种排练的能力似乎也是依赖于状态的，只有当大脑实际上“离线”时才会发生，例如在睡眠期间。因此，研究这种活动如何发生，对于理解其在巩固中的作用非常重要。* 我们的持续计划将专注于3个主要目标：1）使用密集和广泛的神经生理学方法和光遗传学来识别和验证内侧颞叶中塑造慢波离线状态的电路动态。2)使用这些信息来评估慢波和其他离线状态下对电路动态的操纵如何直接影响记忆巩固。3)将我们的记忆持久性的活动依赖模型与更经典的分子突触模型进行对比和比较，理解记忆的大脑机制可能是当今神经科学中最有趣和潜在的重要问题之一。我们的研究将有助于我们如何最佳地传递信息，以改善记忆。我们的研究计划的另一个重要和直接的贡献将是评估可能对调节记忆强度和寿命产生深远影响的非常简单的操作。