PARK, E. H. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2023

On the results of causal optogenetic engram manipulations

Hippocampal neurons encoding memories discharge in sparsely-distributed patterns; they can be optogenetically tagged, then photostimulated to elicit conditioned behavior, potentially generating a synthetic memory trace, "engram". We investigated mouse hippocampal population responses to the photostimulation of memory-tagged neurons to determine if memory-associated discharge is mimicked in hippocampus, a network with non-linear and homeostatic interactions. Both memory-tagged and not-tagged CA1 cells adjusted firing during photostimulation without altering place cell firing fields. Cell-pair cofiring relationships also maintain during photostimulation, indicating a low-dimensional, dynamical structure-preserving, homeostatic network response instead of the photostimulated pattern. Photostimulating neurons that were tagged during place-avoidance memory elicits similar place-avoidance memory in control conditions. Thus artificial photostimulation elicits natural, stored, homeostatic neuronal network cofiring patterns to elicit memory, establishing mimicry evidence for the engram.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Do place cells dream of deceptive moves in a signaling game?

We consider the possibility of applying game theory to analysis and modeling of neurobiological systems. Specifically, the basic properties and features of information asymmetric signaling games are considered and discussed as having potential to explain diverse neurobiological phenomena at levels of biological function that include gene regulation, molecular and biochemical signaling, cellular and metabolic function, as well as the neuronal action potential discharge that can represent cognitive variables such as memory and purposeful behavior. We begin by arguing that there is a pressing need for conceptual frameworks that can permit analysis and integration of information and explanations across the many scales of diverse levels of biological function. Developing such integrative frameworks is crucial if we are to understand cognitive functions like learning, memory, and perception. The present work focuses on systems level neuroscience organized around the connected brain regions of the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. These areas are intensely studied in rodent subjects as model neuronal systems that undergo activity-dependent synaptic plasticity to form and represent memories and spatial knowledge used for purposeful navigation. Examples of cognition-related spatial information in the observed neuronal discharge of hippocampal place cell populations and medial entorhinal head-direction cell populations are used to illustrate possible challenges to information maximization concepts. It may be natural to explain these observations using the ideas and features of information asymmetric signaling games.

neuroscience↗