The lateral neocortex is critical for contextual fear memory reconsolidation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Memory Research
• Fear Memory

Background:

• Memory consolidation and reprocessing are vital for encoding experiences.
• Disruptions in these processes, especially for fear memories, can lead to psychopathology.
• Understanding memory labilization and reconsolidation is key to addressing fear-related disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how pre-established memories change during labilization/reconsolidation.
• To identify brain regions involved in fear memory reactivation.
• To elucidate the role of the lateral neocortex in memory reconsolidation.

Main Methods:

• Whole-brain positron emission tomography (PET) to measure glucose consumption in mice.
• Chemogenetics to assess the function of cortical areas during memory phases.
• Optogenetics and neuronal recording to study functional connectivity.
• Retrograde viral tracing to map neural connections.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in glucose metabolism were observed in the lateral neocortex, hippocampus, and amygdala during fear memory labilization/reconsolidation.
• The lateral neocortex was found to be essential for fear memory reconsolidation.
• Inhibiting the lateral neocortex altered amygdala glucose metabolism.
• A direct monosynaptic connection between the lateral neocortex and amygdala was identified.

Conclusions:

• The lateral neocortex plays a critical role in fear memory reconsolidation.
• The lateral neocortex and amygdala form a key circuit for fear memory reactivation.
• This circuit, involving a direct connection, is a potential target for understanding and treating fear-related psychopathologies.