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Neurons are recruited to a memory trace based on relative neuronal excitability immediately before training

Neurons are recruited to a memory trace based on relative neuronal excitability immediately before training

Authors :
Paul W. Frankland
Melanie A. Woodin
Blake A. Richards
Jessica C. Pressey
Adelaide P. Yiu
Chen Yan
Matthew M Tran
Hwa-Lin Liz Hsiang
Steven A. Kushner
Vivek Mahadevan
Sheena A. Josselyn
Asim J. Rashid
Valentina Mercaldo
Psychiatry
Source :
Neuron, 83(3), 722-735. Cell Press
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

SummaryMemories are thought to be sparsely encoded in neuronal networks, but little is known about why a given neuron is recruited or allocated to a particular memory trace. Previous research shows that in the lateral amygdala (LA), neurons with increased CREB are selectively recruited to a fear memory trace. CREB is a ubiquitous transcription factor implicated in many cellular processes. Which process mediates neuronal memory allocation? One hypothesis is that CREB increases neuronal excitability to bias neuronal recruitment, although this has not been shown experimentally. Here we use several methods to increase neuronal excitability and show this both biases recruitment into the memory trace and enhances memory formation. Moreover, artificial activation of these neurons alone is a sufficient retrieval cue for fear memory expression, showing that these neurons are critical components of the memory trace. These results indicate that neuronal memory allocation is based on relative neuronal excitability immediately before training.Video Abstract

Details

ISSN :
10974199 and 08966273
Volume :
83
Issue :
3
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Neuron
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....dc59ed10ed29813be1ae4da9d7450b7d