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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating Neural Activity of Dentate Gyrus Granule Cells with Miniature Microscope

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Published on: August 2, 2024

Engram cell connectivity as a mechanism for information encoding and memory function.

Clara Ortega-de San Luis^1,2, Maurizio Pezzoli^1,3, Esteban Urrieta^1,2

¹School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.

Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology

|October 4, 2023

Summary

Specific synaptic connections between brain cells called engram cells store memory information. A protein called PSD-95 helps stabilize these connections, improving long-term memory.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 15, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating Neural Activity of Dentate Gyrus Granule Cells with Miniature Microscope

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Published on: August 2, 2024

Author Spotlight: Advancing Large-Scale Neural Dynamics Through HD-MEA Technology

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Published on: March 8, 2024

Simultaneous Monitoring of Wireless Electrophysiology and Memory Behavioral Test as a Tool to Study Hippocampal Neurogenesis

Simultaneous Monitoring of Wireless Electrophysiology and Memory Behavioral Test as a Tool to Study Hippocampal Neurogenesis

Published on: August 20, 2020

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cellular Biology
Cognitive Science

Background:

Memory formation involves changes in brain cell ensembles called engram cells.
The precise mechanism by which engram cells store specific information remains largely unknown.
Understanding synaptic plasticity in memory is crucial for advancing learning theories.

Approach:

Investigated how learning alters synaptic connectivity patterns between engram cells in the hippocampus (vCA1) and amygdala.
Assessed the functional impact of these connectivity changes through targeted activation or inhibition of synaptic components.
Identified the role of PSD-95 in modulating engram cell connectivity and memory stability.

Key Points:

Learning induces specific modifications in the synaptic wiring between engram cells.
Synaptic plasticity mediated by PSD-95 is essential for the long-term stability of memory traces.
The study provides a mechanistic link between synaptic changes and information storage in engram cells.

Conclusions:

Synaptic wiring patterns among engram cells serve as the physical substrate for information storage.
PSD-95-mediated synaptic plasticity contributes to the enduring nature of memories.
These findings refine our understanding of how specific information is encoded and maintained within neural circuits.