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Beyond hippocampus: Thalamic and prefrontal contributions to an evolving memory.
Nakul Yadav1, Andrew Toader1, Priya Rajasethupathy1
1Laboratory of Neural Dynamics & Cognition, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
Neuron
|January 25, 2024
Summary
Memory evolves from the hippocampus to a brain-wide process. This model shows how memories reorganize across neural circuits, becoming independent of the hippocampus over time.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- The hippocampus is traditionally central to memory research.
- Emerging technologies reveal memory as a dynamic, brain-wide process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop models for understanding memory evolution and stabilization across the brain.
- To explore the transition of memory representations from hippocampal to cortical circuits.
Main Methods:
- Synthesizing findings from rodent and human memory research.
- Developing theoretical models of memory reorganization and long-term storage.
Main Results:
- Memory formation initiates in the hippocampus with parallel frontal cortex traces.
- Maturing memories become independent of the hippocampus, relying on cortical representations.
- Memory traces are transferred to circuits with longer time constants for stabilization.
Conclusions:
- Memory is a dynamic process involving gradual reorganization across brain networks.
- Distinct neural circuits support memory at different stages of consolidation.
- Longer time constant circuits facilitate filtering, forgetting, and updating during long-term storage.
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