A05

Neuronal mechanisms of a critical window for cortical sensory memory consolidation

This project challenges the classical view that memory consolidation relies primarily on the hippocampus and slowly transfers to the cortex. Instead, we have shown that activity in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is involved in consolidation in the first 4 hours after learning a rewarded thermal detection task and discovered a primary thermal cortical region in the posterior insular cortex (pIC). Preliminary data indicate that sleep is likely to be important in closing this critical window. In the final funding period, we aim to test the hypothesis that repetition of neuronal activity in primary thermal cortices (S1 and pIC) in the critical window supports the formation of an engram and memory consolidation.

Image Thermal image of mouse with forepaw resting on Peltier element (See also Neuron 106(5)830-841. 2020). Courtesy of Ricardo Paricio-Montesinos

Archive – A05 (SFB1315/1)

Archive – A05 (SFB1315/2)