Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: Memory storage in the brain relies on mechanisms acting on time scales from minutes, for long-term synaptic potentiation, to days, for memory consolidation. During such processes, neural circuits distinguish synapses relevant for forming a long-term storage, which are consolidated, from synapses of short-term storage, which fade. How time scale integration and synaptic differentiation is simultaneously achieved remains unclear. Here we show that synaptic scaling - a slow process usually associated with the maintenance of activity homeostasis - combined with synaptic plasticity may simultaneously achieve both, thereby providing a natural separation of short- from long-term storage. The interaction between plasticity and scaling provides also an explanation for an established paradox where memory consolidation critically depends on the exact order of learning and recall. These results indicate that scaling may be fundamental for stabilizing memories, providing a dynamic link between early and late memory formation processes.
Source: PLoS Computational Biology
Language: English
Topic: Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,059
Awards: Verbundprojekt: Bernstein Zentrum für Computational Neuroscience, Göttingen - Kooperative Dynamiken und Adaptivität in neuronalen Systemen -TP A1, A2, A4, A5, B1, B2, B5, D1, D2, Nachwuchsforschergruppe und zentrale Mittel (zM), G1847229656, Verbundprojekt: Bernstein Zentrum für Computational Neuroscience, Göttingen - Kooperative Dynamiken und Adaptivität in neuronalen Systemen - TP A3, A4, A5, B2, B3, B4, C1, D3 und zentrale Mittel (zM), G2488755638, Robots Bootstrapped through Learning from Experience
OpenAlex ID: W2055354495