Neuronal Ensembles and Memory Engrams: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms

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Background

The search for physical mechanisms of encoding learned behavior continues, despite decades of research. As we develop new tools and technologies that allow us to study activity-dependent neuronal ensembles, the possibility of identifying the engrams that underlie learning and memory have moved into the realm of reality rather than speculation. The focus of this research topic is to provide an overview of new and previously identified mechanisms within neuronal ensembles that mediate acquisition, storage and retrieval of learned behavior, or more broadly, the search for the engram.

A fundamental question in neuroscience is how behavior can be learned and remembered. The specific mechanisms by which learning occurs and memories are stored have been a topic of decades of research. However, only recently have the tools and technology become available to answer these types of questions. In this topic we want to explore the cellular and molecular basis of memory by focusing on activity-dependent neuronal ensembles that encode learned behavior with a special emphasis on advances in ensemble-based electrophysiology, sequencing, computational modeling, and ensemble or engram-specific manipulation approaches.

This group of papers will focus on how neurons alter their synaptic and intrinsic functioning to encode various types of memories. Manuscripts addressing a wide spectrum of learned behavior, encompassing learning and memory about the environment (spatial learning), aversive (e.g. fear) and rewarding (e.g. by natural stimuli and addictive drugs) experiences, and beyond will be the focus of this research topic. We want to highlight papers that focus on electrophysiology at all levels, from single cells in a brain slice preparation to large scale recordings of ensemble populations in awake behaving animals. Most especially, we want to include studies examining synaptic and intrinsic plasticity within ensemble/engram neurons. Other technical approaches of interest include ensemble-specific molecular analyses and computational modeling of ensemble function, especially in combination with traditional electrophysiological approaches. Another focus will be on papers that attempt to manipulate ensemble/engram cells by altering physiological properties to investigate causality between intrinsic/synaptic adaptations and expression of learned behavior. Methodological advances in ensemble-based targeting techniques are welcome as well. Researchers may submit primary research articles or reviews on these topics, although we encourage original research articles.

Keywords: Neuronal Ensembles, Engrams, Electrophysiology, Synaptic Plasticity, Intrinsic Plasticity, Molecular Mechanisms

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