Stability and dynamics underlying hippocampal neural codes for long-term memory
Episodic memory relies on the hippocampus, whose neurons are thought to encode information about where and when events have occurred. Whereas ample knowledge exists regarding the encoding of location, relatively little is known about the neural mechanisms that enable the encoding of the time in which events occur. We performed time-lapse imaging of thousands of neurons over weeks in the hippocampal CA1 of mice as they repeatedly visited two distinct environments. Longitudinal analysis exposed ongoing environment-independent evolution of episodic representations, despite stable place field locations and constant remapping between the two environments. These dynamics time-stamped experienced events via neuronal ensembles that had cellular composition and activity patterns unique to specific points in time. Our results suggest that days-scale hippocampal ensemble dynamics could support the formation of a mental timeline in which experienced events could be mnemonically associated or dissociated based on their temporal distance, and point to a plausible mechanism by which information about place and time can be simultaneously and independently encoded in episodic representations. I will also discuss how the stability of function may be achieved despite the ongoing continuous ensemble dynamics that we observe.
Date: 5 September 2018, 16:00 (Wednesday, 20th week, Trinity 2018)
Venue: Sherrington Library, off Parks Road OX1 3PT
Speakers: Speaker to be announced
Organising department: Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG)
Organiser contact email address: cortex.club@studentclubs.ox.ac.uk
Part of: Cortex Club - Oxford Neuroscience Society
Booking required?: Recommended
Booking email: cortex.club@studentclubs.ox.ac.uk
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Isabella Renehan