The theta rhythm plays a crucial role in synchronizing neural activity during cognitive processes such as attention, as well as the acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval of associative experiences related to memory.

Recent studies have focused on the important role of medial septum GABAergic neurons in the formation of CA1 theta rhythm, directing their activity to the inhibitory neurons of CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG), as well as the entorhinal cortex, mediating hippocampal theta rhythms in brain functions.
Research efforts have also been made in understanding the oscillatory and neuronal activity at rest, during the non-theta state where memory consolidation and information transfer from the hippocampus to other brain structures have been reported to take place.

Furthermore, theta pattern stimulation is emerging as a therapeutic tool for the therapy of cognitive disorders and the recalibration of dysfunctional synaptic and cortical plasticity related to motor impairments or chronic pain.

Despite substantial progress in the field, there is still a lack of consensus on the precise cognitive functions of the non-theta-non-ripple state, and the vulnerability of DG mossy cells in the genesis of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

This Research Topic aims to highlight the precise role of theta rhythm in various cognitive processes, gain further insights into the mechanisms underlying theta rhythm generation, and its potential applications in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and affective disorders. The main objectives include further characterizing the functional significance of the non-theta state, the contribution of cortical and subcortical theta activity to learning and memory, and the role of the different hippocampal subfields in brain functions.

We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes in diverse species:

• Mechanisms of theta rhythm generation
• Functional significance of non-theta state for memory consolidation and information transfer
• Role of theta activity hippocampal subfields in information processing, learning, and memory
• Involvement of cortical and subcortical structures in theta rhythms related to motor behavior and cortical plasticity
• Cognitive functions and information processing modality during the non-theta state at rest (slow wave sleep and quiet wakefulness including immobility and grooming behaviors)
• Therapeutic applications of theta rhythms in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and affective disorders
• Designing therapeutic electrical stimulation systems based on theta rhythms
• Role of theta rhythm in brain synchronization
• Integration of theta activity and respiratory or locomotor rhythms

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Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience

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