Contextual modulation of spatial memory consolidation

The proposed project investigates contextual factors that may determine the relative contributions of hippocampus and neocortex within networks for spatial memory consolidation. Our central hypothesis is that availability of previous spatial knowledge critically determines hippocampal-neocortical interactions during systems consolidation. In four work packages (WPs), we will combine electrophysiological, pharmacological, imaging and lesion approaches in human patients and normal human subjects. In WP 1, we will study schema effects on ripples recorded from the human medial temporal lobe and neocortex. In WP 2, we will study whether early memory consolidation of schema-congruent and -incongruent information show a differential susceptibility to transient modulation of hippocampal activity with the anesthetic propofol. In WP3, we will study how contextual information modifies consolidation of spatial information acquired during free navigation. In WP 4, we will study how the availability of remote spatial memory facilitates consolidation of spatial memoranda independently from the hippocampus.

Archive – B05 (SFB1315/1)

Image Navigation task setting. Source, Jürgen Hohmuth

Graphical abstract: Background, hypotheses and work packages (WPs) of B05. All WPs aim at modulating hippocampal-neocortical interplay by modulating contextual factors in distinct hippocampal lesion models. WP1 investigates schema effects on memory-related oscillations in hippocampus and neocortex; WP2 investigates possible differential effects of the GABAergic drug propofol on schema-congruent and incongruent information; WP3 investigates interaction of spatial navigation with context in hippocampal lesion patients; WP4 investigates effects of early autobiographical memories on consolidation of new spatial information.