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Engrams and Memory: My Scientific "Eras Tour".
1Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada sheena.josselyn@sickkids.ca.
Summary
Memories form through neuronal competition within existing circuits, not a blank slate. This competition is influenced by neuron excitability and recent activity, shaping engram formation over time.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Memories are encoded by neuronal ensembles called engrams.
- Early research focused on molecular factors like CREB in memory enhancement.
- A central hypothesis emerged: neurons compete for engram inclusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To trace the evolution of engram research.
- To highlight the role of neuronal competition in memory encoding.
- To connect historical findings with modern experimental approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical studies on CREB and memory.
- Analysis of research on neuronal excitability and activity.
- Discussion of modern techniques for identifying and manipulating neuronal ensembles.
Main Results:
- Engram formation is influenced by neuronal competition.
- Intrinsic excitability and recent activity modulate this competition.
- Memory is an emergent property of pre-existing neural circuits.
Conclusions:
- Engrams are not formed on a blank slate.
- Competitive neuronal interactions shape memory encoding.
- Understanding engrams requires integrating historical and contemporary research.
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