Imprinting and recalling cortical ensembles

Abstract

Donald Hebb's hypothesis that coactivation of neurons leads to the formation of ensembles of neurons has inspired neuroscientists for decades. The experimental creation of such ensembles has been technically challenging. Using two-photon optogenetic stimulation with single-cell resolution, Carrillo-Reid et al. discovered that recurrent activation of a group of neurons creates an ensemble that is imprinted in the brain circuitry. Activation of a single neuron can lead to recall of the entire ensemble in a phenomenon called pattern completion. The artificial ensemble persists over days and can be reactivated at later time points without interfering with endogenous circuitry.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Aug 12, 2016
Source ID
10.1126/science.aaf7560

Entities

People

  • Darcy S Peterka
  • Luis Carrillo-Reid
  • Rafael Yuste
  • Weijian Yang
  • Yuki Bando

Organizations

  • Army Research Office
  • Burroughs Wellcome Fund
  • Columbia University
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  • National Eye Institute
  • National Institute of Mental Health
  • Uehara Memorial Foundation
  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Molecular and genetic basis of cancer.
  • Neuroscience

Technology Areas

  • Quantum Science - Quantum Dots