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1.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4566, 2024 Jun 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38914541

ABSTRACT

Idling brain activity has been proposed to facilitate inference, insight, and innovative problem-solving. However, it remains unclear how and when the idling brain can create novel ideas. Here, we show that cortical offline activity is both necessary and sufficient for building unlearned inferential knowledge from previously acquired information. In a transitive inference paradigm, male C57BL/6J mice gained the inference 1 day after, but not shortly after, complete training. Inhibiting the neuronal computations in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) during post-learning either non-rapid eye movement (NREM) or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but not wakefulness, disrupted the inference without affecting the learned knowledge. In vivo Ca2+ imaging suggests that NREM sleep organizes the scattered learned knowledge in a complete hierarchy, while REM sleep computes the inferential information from the organized hierarchy. Furthermore, after insufficient learning, artificial activation of medial entorhinal cortex-ACC dialog during only REM sleep created inferential knowledge. Collectively, our study provides a mechanistic insight on NREM and REM coordination in weaving inferential knowledge, thus highlighting the power of idling brain in cognitive flexibility.


Subject(s)
Gyrus Cinguli , Learning , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Prefrontal Cortex , Sleep, REM , Animals , Sleep, REM/physiology , Male , Prefrontal Cortex/physiology , Learning/physiology , Mice , Gyrus Cinguli/physiology , Wakefulness/physiology , Sleep, Slow-Wave/physiology , Knowledge , Entorhinal Cortex/physiology , Neurons/physiology
2.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(11)2024 May 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38892248

ABSTRACT

Computational simulations with data-driven physiological detail can foster a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms involved in cognition. Here, we utilize the wealth of cellular properties from Hippocampome.org to study neural mechanisms of spatial coding with a spiking continuous attractor network model of medial entorhinal cortex circuit activity. The primary goal is to investigate if adding such realistic constraints could produce firing patterns similar to those measured in real neurons. Biological characteristics included in the work are excitability, connectivity, and synaptic signaling of neuron types defined primarily by their axonal and dendritic morphologies. We investigate the spiking dynamics in specific neuron types and the synaptic activities between groups of neurons. Modeling the rodent hippocampal formation keeps the simulations to a computationally reasonable scale while also anchoring the parameters and results to experimental measurements. Our model generates grid cell activity that well matches the spacing, size, and firing rates of grid fields recorded in live behaving animals from both published datasets and new experiments performed for this study. Our simulations also recreate different scales of those properties, e.g., small and large, as found along the dorsoventral axis of the medial entorhinal cortex. Computational exploration of neuronal and synaptic model parameters reveals that a broad range of neural properties produce grid fields in the simulation. These results demonstrate that the continuous attractor network model of grid cells is compatible with a spiking neural network implementation sourcing data-driven biophysical and anatomical parameters from Hippocampome.org. The software (version 1.0) is released as open source to enable broad community reuse and encourage novel applications.


Subject(s)
Action Potentials , Entorhinal Cortex , Grid Cells , Models, Neurological , Synapses , Animals , Grid Cells/physiology , Synapses/physiology , Entorhinal Cortex/physiology , Entorhinal Cortex/cytology , Action Potentials/physiology , Computer Simulation , Neurons/physiology , Neurons/cytology , Hippocampus/physiology , Hippocampus/cytology , Nerve Net/physiology , Nerve Net/cytology , Neural Networks, Computer
3.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 121(25): e2321614121, 2024 Jun 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38857401

ABSTRACT

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a key brain structure for higher cognitive functions such as decision-making and goal-directed behavior, many of which require awareness of spatial variables including one's current position within the surrounding environment. Although previous studies have reported spatially tuned activities in mPFC during memory-related trajectory, the spatial tuning of mPFC network during freely foraging behavior remains elusive. Here, we reveal geometric border or border-proximal representations from the neural activity of mPFC ensembles during naturally exploring behavior, with both allocentric and egocentric boundary responses. Unlike most of classical border cells in the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) discharging along a single wall, a large majority of border cells in mPFC fire particularly along four walls. mPFC border cells generate new firing fields to external insert, and remain stable under darkness, across distinct shapes, and in novel environments. In contrast to hippocampal theta entrainment during spatial working memory tasks, mPFC border cells rarely exhibited theta rhythmicity during spontaneous locomotion behavior. These findings reveal spatially modulated activity in mPFC, supporting local computation for cognitive functions involving spatial context and contributing to a broad spatial tuning property of cortical circuits.


Subject(s)
Prefrontal Cortex , Theta Rhythm , Prefrontal Cortex/physiology , Prefrontal Cortex/cytology , Animals , Theta Rhythm/physiology , Male , Mice , Entorhinal Cortex/physiology , Neurons/physiology , Hippocampus/physiology , Spatial Memory/physiology , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Memory, Short-Term/physiology
4.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 12906, 2024 06 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38839800

ABSTRACT

Only a third of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progress to dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT). Identifying biomarkers that distinguish individuals with MCI who will progress to DAT (MCI-Converters) from those who will not (MCI-Non-Converters) remains a key challenge in the field. In our study, we evaluate whether the individual rates of loss of volumes of the Hippocampus and entorhinal cortex (EC) with age in the MCI stage can predict progression to DAT. Using data from 758 MCI patients in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Database, we employ Linear Mixed Effects (LME) models to estimate individual trajectories of regional brain volume loss over 12 years on average. Our approach involves three key analyses: (1) mapping age-related volume loss trajectories in MCI-Converters and Non-Converters, (2) using logistic regression to predict progression to DAT based on individual rates of hippocampal and EC volume loss, and (3) examining the relationship between individual estimates of these volumetric changes and cognitive decline across different cognitive functions-episodic memory, visuospatial processing, and executive function. We find that the loss of Hippocampal volume is significantly more rapid in MCI-Converters than Non-Converters, but find no such difference in EC volumes. We also find that the rate of hippocampal volume loss in the MCI stage is a significant predictor of conversion to DAT, while the rate of volume loss in the EC and other additional regions is not. Finally, individual estimates of rates of regional volume loss in both the Hippocampus and EC, and other additional regions, correlate strongly with individual rates of cognitive decline. Across all analyses, we find significant individual variation in the initial volumes and the rates of changes in volume with age in individuals with MCI. This study highlights the importance of personalized approaches in predicting AD progression, offering insights for future research and intervention strategies.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Cognitive Dysfunction , Disease Progression , Hippocampus , Humans , Cognitive Dysfunction/pathology , Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnostic imaging , Alzheimer Disease/pathology , Alzheimer Disease/diagnostic imaging , Male , Aged , Female , Hippocampus/pathology , Hippocampus/diagnostic imaging , Aged, 80 and over , Entorhinal Cortex/pathology , Entorhinal Cortex/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Organ Size , Middle Aged , Neuroimaging/methods
5.
Nature ; 630(8017): 704-711, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38867051

ABSTRACT

A cognitive map is a suitably structured representation that enables novel computations using previous experience; for example, planning a new route in a familiar space1. Work in mammals has found direct evidence for such representations in the presence of exogenous sensory inputs in both spatial2,3 and non-spatial domains4-10. Here we tested a foundational postulate of the original cognitive map theory1,11: that cognitive maps support endogenous computations without external input. We recorded from the entorhinal cortex of monkeys in a mental navigation task that required the monkeys to use a joystick to produce one-dimensional vectors between pairs of visual landmarks without seeing the intermediate landmarks. The ability of the monkeys to perform the task and generalize to new pairs indicated that they relied on a structured representation of the landmarks. Task-modulated neurons exhibited periodicity and ramping that matched the temporal structure of the landmarks and showed signatures of continuous attractor networks12,13. A continuous attractor network model of path integration14 augmented with a Hebbian-like learning mechanism provided an explanation of how the system could endogenously recall landmarks. The model also made an unexpected prediction that endogenous landmarks transiently slow path integration, reset the dynamics and thereby reduce variability. This prediction was borne out in a reanalysis of firing rate variability and behaviour. Our findings link the structured patterns of activity in the entorhinal cortex to the endogenous recruitment of a cognitive map during mental navigation.


Subject(s)
Entorhinal Cortex , Macaca mulatta , Models, Neurological , Neurons , Spatial Navigation , Entorhinal Cortex/physiology , Entorhinal Cortex/cytology , Animals , Spatial Navigation/physiology , Male , Macaca mulatta/physiology , Neurons/physiology , Cognition/physiology
6.
Development ; 151(13)2024 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38856043

ABSTRACT

The function of medial entorhinal cortex layer II (MECII) excitatory neurons has been recently explored. MECII dysfunction underlies deficits in spatial navigation and working memory. MECII neurons comprise two major excitatory neuronal populations, pyramidal island and stellate ocean cells, in addition to the inhibitory interneurons. Ocean cells express reelin and surround clusters of island cells that lack reelin expression. The influence of reelin expression by ocean cells and interneurons on their own morphological differentiation and that of MECII island cells has remained unknown. To address this, we used a conditional reelin knockout (RelncKO) mouse to induce reelin deficiency postnatally in vitro and in vivo. Reelin deficiency caused dendritic hypertrophy of ocean cells, interneurons and only proximal dendritic compartments of island cells. Ca2+ recording showed that both cell types exhibited an elevation of calcium frequencies in RelncKO, indicating that the hypertrophic effect is related to excessive Ca2+ signalling. Moreover, pharmacological receptor blockade in RelncKO mouse revealed malfunctioning of GABAB, NMDA and AMPA receptors. Collectively, this study emphasizes the significance of reelin in neuronal growth, and its absence results in dendrite hypertrophy of MECII neurons.


Subject(s)
Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal , Dendrites , Entorhinal Cortex , Extracellular Matrix Proteins , Mice, Knockout , Nerve Tissue Proteins , Reelin Protein , Serine Endopeptidases , Animals , Entorhinal Cortex/metabolism , Dendrites/metabolism , Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal/metabolism , Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal/genetics , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Serine Endopeptidases/genetics , Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism , Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics , Extracellular Matrix Proteins/metabolism , Extracellular Matrix Proteins/genetics , Mice , Interneurons/metabolism , Neurons/metabolism , Calcium Signaling
8.
IEEE Trans Biomed Circuits Syst ; 18(3): 552-563, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38805341

ABSTRACT

In this article, a bionic localization memristive circuit is proposed, which mainly consists of head direction cell module, grid cell module, place cell module and decoding module. This work modifies the two-dimensional Continuous Attractor Network (CAN) model of grid cells into two one-dimensional models in X and Y directions. The head direction cell module utilizes memristors to integrate angular velocity and represents the real orientation of an agent. The grid cell module uses memristors to sense linear velocity and orientation signals, which are both self-motion cues, and encodes the position in space by firing in a periodic mode. The place cell module receives the grid cell module's output and fires in a specific position. The decoding module decodes the angle or place information and transfers the neuron state to a 'one-hot' code. This proposed circuit completes the localizing task in space and realizes in-memory computing due to the use of memristors, which can shorten the execution time. The functions mentioned above are implemented in LTSPICE. The simulation results show that the proposed circuit can realize path integration and localization. Moreover, it is shown that the proposed circuit has good robustness and low area overhead. This work provides a possible application idea in a prospective robot platform to help the robot localize and build maps.


Subject(s)
Entorhinal Cortex , Hippocampus , Entorhinal Cortex/physiology , Hippocampus/physiology , Humans , Models, Neurological , Neural Networks, Computer , Bionics/instrumentation , Cognition/physiology , Computer Simulation
9.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 3542, 2024 May 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38719802

ABSTRACT

Understanding the functional connectivity between brain regions and its emergent dynamics is a central challenge. Here we present a theory-experiment hybrid approach involving iteration between a minimal computational model and in vivo electrophysiological measurements. Our model not only predicted spontaneous persistent activity (SPA) during Up-Down-State oscillations, but also inactivity (SPI), which has never been reported. These were confirmed in vivo in the membrane potential of neurons, especially from layer 3 of the medial and lateral entorhinal cortices. The data was then used to constrain two free parameters, yielding a unique, experimentally determined model for each neuron. Analytic and computational analysis of the model generated a dozen quantitative predictions about network dynamics, which were all confirmed in vivo to high accuracy. Our technique predicted functional connectivity; e. g. the recurrent excitation is stronger in the medial than lateral entorhinal cortex. This too was confirmed with connectomics data. This technique uncovers how differential cortico-entorhinal dialogue generates SPA and SPI, which could form an energetically efficient working-memory substrate and influence the consolidation of memories during sleep. More broadly, our procedure can reveal the functional connectivity of large networks and a theory of their emergent dynamics.


Subject(s)
Entorhinal Cortex , Models, Neurological , Neurons , Entorhinal Cortex/physiology , Animals , Neurons/physiology , Male , Connectome , Nerve Net/physiology , Membrane Potentials/physiology , Neural Pathways/physiology , Computer Simulation , Mice
10.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4122, 2024 May 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38750027

ABSTRACT

Visual information is important for accurate spatial coding and memory-guided navigation. As a crucial area for spatial cognition, the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) harbors diverse spatially tuned cells and functions as the major gateway relaying sensory inputs to the hippocampus containing place cells. However, how visual information enters the MEC has not been fully understood. Here, we identify a pathway originating in the secondary visual cortex (V2) and directly targeting MEC layer 5a (L5a). L5a neurons served as a network hub for visual processing in the MEC by routing visual inputs from multiple V2 areas to other local neurons and hippocampal CA1. Interrupting this pathway severely impaired visual stimulus-evoked neural activity in the MEC and performance of mice in navigation tasks. These observations reveal a visual cortical-entorhinal pathway highlighting the role of MEC L5a in sensory information transmission, a function typically attributed to MEC superficial layers before.


Subject(s)
Entorhinal Cortex , Neurons , Spatial Navigation , Visual Cortex , Animals , Entorhinal Cortex/physiology , Visual Cortex/physiology , Spatial Navigation/physiology , Mice , Neurons/physiology , Male , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Photic Stimulation , CA1 Region, Hippocampal/physiology , CA1 Region, Hippocampal/cytology , Visual Pathways/physiology , Visual Perception/physiology
11.
Alzheimers Res Ther ; 16(1): 109, 2024 May 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38750512

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As one major symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD), anterograde amnesia describes patients with an inability in new memory formation. The crucial role of the entorhinal cortex in forming new memories has been well established, and the neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK) is reported to be released from the entorhinal cortex to enable neocortical associated memory and long-term potentiation. Though several studies reveal that the entorhinal cortex and CCK are related to AD, it is less well studied. It is unclear whether CCK is a good biomarker or further a great drug candidate for AD. METHODS: mRNA expressions of CCK and CCK-B receptor (CCKBR) were examined in two mouse models, 3xTg AD and CCK knock-out (CCK-/-) mice. Animals' cognition was investigated with Morris water maze, novel object recognition test and neuroplasticity with in-vitro electrophysiological recording. Drugs were given intraperitoneally to animals to investigate the rescue effects on cognitive deficits, or applied to brain slices directly to explore the influence in inducement of long-term potentiation. RESULTS: Aged 3xTg AD mice exhibited reduced CCK mRNA expression in the entorhinal cortex but reduced CCKBR expression in the neocortex and hippocampus, and impaired cognition and neuroplasticity comparable with CCK-/- mice. Importantly, the animals displayed improved performance and enhanced long-term potentiation after the treatment of CCKBR agonists. CONCLUSIONS: Here we provide more evidence to support the role of CCK in learning and memory and its potential to treat AD. We elaborated on the rescue effect of a promising novel drug, HT-267, on aged 3xTg AD mice. Although the physiological etiology of CCK in AD still needs to be further investigated, this study sheds light on a potential pharmaceutical candidate for AD and dementia.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Amnesia, Anterograde , Cholecystokinin , Disease Models, Animal , Mice, Transgenic , Receptor, Cholecystokinin B , Animals , Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy , Alzheimer Disease/genetics , Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Mice , Receptor, Cholecystokinin B/genetics , Receptor, Cholecystokinin B/agonists , Receptor, Cholecystokinin B/deficiency , Amnesia, Anterograde/drug therapy , Cholecystokinin/metabolism , Entorhinal Cortex/drug effects , Entorhinal Cortex/metabolism , Male , Mice, Knockout , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Long-Term Potentiation/drug effects , Hippocampus/metabolism , Hippocampus/drug effects , Aging/drug effects
12.
J Mol Neurosci ; 74(2): 37, 2024 Apr 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38568322

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory and cognitive impairment, often accompanied by alterations in mood, confusion, and, ultimately, a state of acute mental disturbance. The cerebral cortex is considered a promising area for investigating the underlying causes of AD by analyzing transcriptional patterns, which could be complemented by investigating blood samples obtained from patients. We analyzed the RNA expression profiles of three distinct areas of the brain cortex, including the frontal cortex (FC), temporal cortex (TC), and entorhinal cortex (EC) in patients with AD. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across the three regions. The two genes with the most significant expression changes in the EC region were selected for assessing mRNA expression levels in the peripheral blood of late-onset AD patients using quantitative PCR (qPCR). We identified eight shared DEGs in these regions, including AEBP1 and COLEC12, which exhibited prominent changes in expression. Functional enrichment analysis uncovered a significant association of these DEGs with the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) signaling pathway and processes related to angiogenesis. Importantly, we established a robust connection between the up-regulation of AEBP1 and COLEC12 in both the brain and peripheral blood. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the potential of AEBP1 and COLEC12 genes as effective diagnostic tools for distinguishing between late-onset AD patients and healthy controls. This study unveils the intricate interplay between AEBP1 and COLEC12 in AD and underscores their potential as markers for disease detection and monitoring.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Humans , Alzheimer Disease/genetics , Brain , Temporal Lobe , Frontal Lobe , Entorhinal Cortex , Late Onset Disorders , Collectins , Receptors, Scavenger , Carboxypeptidases , Repressor Proteins
13.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 3221, 2024 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38622129

ABSTRACT

The hippocampus creates a cognitive map of the external environment by encoding spatial and self-motion-related information. However, it is unclear whether hippocampal neurons could also incorporate internal cognitive states reflecting an animal's exploratory intention, which is not driven by rewards or unexpected sensory stimuli. In this study, a subgroup of CA1 neurons was found to encode both spatial information and animals' investigatory intentions in male mice. These neurons became active before the initiation of exploration behaviors at specific locations and were nearly silent when the same fields were traversed without exploration. Interestingly, this neuronal activity could not be explained by object features, rewards, or mismatches in environmental cues. Inhibition of the lateral entorhinal cortex decreased the activity of these cells during exploration. Our findings demonstrate that hippocampal neurons may bridge external and internal signals, indicating a potential connection between spatial representation and intentional states in the construction of internal navigation systems.


Subject(s)
Intention , Spatial Navigation , Male , Mice , Animals , Space Perception/physiology , Hippocampus/physiology , Entorhinal Cortex , Cues , Spatial Navigation/physiology
14.
Eur J Psychotraumatol ; 15(1): 2335793, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38590134

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) regulates plasticity in brain systems underlying arousal and memory and is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research in animal models suggests that PACAP modulates entorhinal cortex (EC) input to the hippocampus, contributing to impaired contextual fear conditioning. In PTSD, PACAP is associated with higher activity of the amygdala to threat stimuli and lower functional connectivity of the amygdala and hippocampus. However, PACAP-affiliated structural alterations of these regions have not been investigated in PTSD. Here, we examined whether peripheral PACAP levels were associated with neuronal morphology of the amygdala and hippocampus (primary analyses), and EC (secondary) using Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging.Methods: Sixty-four (44 female) adults (19 to 54 years old) with DSM-5 Criterion A trauma exposure completed the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), a blood draw, and magnetic resonance imaging. PACAP38 radioimmunoassay was performed and T1-weighted and multi-shell diffusion-weighted images were acquired. Neurite Density Index (NDI) and Orientation Dispersion Index (ODI) were quantified in the amygdala, hippocampus, and EC. CAPS-5 total score and anxious arousal score were used to test for clinical associations with brain structure.Results: Higher PACAP levels were associated with greater EC NDI (ß = 0.0099, q = 0.032) and lower EC ODI (ß = -0.0073, q = 0.047), and not hippocampal or amygdala measures. Neither EC NDI nor ODI was associated with clinical measures.Conclusions: Circulating PACAP levels were associated with altered neuronal density of the EC but not the hippocampus or amygdala. These findings strengthen evidence that PACAP may impact arousal-associated memory circuits in PTSD.


PACAP was associated with altered entorhinal cortex neurite density in PTSD.PACAP was not associated with altered neurite density in amygdala or hippocampus.PACAP may impact arousal-associated memory circuits.


Subject(s)
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic , Animals , Humans , Female , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/diagnostic imaging , Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide/metabolism , Entorhinal Cortex/diagnostic imaging , Entorhinal Cortex/metabolism , Neurites/metabolism , Amygdala/diagnostic imaging
15.
Neurobiol Aging ; 139: 54-63, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38608458

ABSTRACT

Nucleus Basalis of Meynert (NbM), a crucial source of cholinergic projection to the entorhinal cortex (EC) and hippocampus (HC), has shown sensitivity to neurofibrillary degeneration in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Using deformation-based morphometry (DBM) on up-sampled MRI scans from 1447 Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative participants, we aimed to quantify NbM degeneration along the disease trajectory. Results from cross-sectional analysis revealed significant differences of NbM volume between cognitively normal and early mild cognitive impairment cohorts, confirming recent studies suggesting that NbM degeneration happens before degeneration in the EC or HC. Longitudinal linear mixed-effect models were then used to compare trajectories of volume change after realigning all participants into a common timeline based on their cognitive decline. Results indicated the earliest deviations in NbM volumes from the cognitively healthy trajectory, challenging the prevailing idea that Alzheimer's originates in the EC. Converging evidence from cross-sectional and longitudinal models suggest that the NbM may be a focal target of early AD progression, which is often obscured by normal age-related decline.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Basal Nucleus of Meynert , Disease Progression , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Alzheimer Disease/pathology , Alzheimer Disease/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Female , Male , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Basal Nucleus of Meynert/pathology , Basal Nucleus of Meynert/diagnostic imaging , Aged, 80 and over , Cognitive Dysfunction/pathology , Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnostic imaging , Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology , Entorhinal Cortex/pathology , Entorhinal Cortex/diagnostic imaging , Longitudinal Studies , Organ Size , Hippocampus/pathology , Hippocampus/diagnostic imaging
16.
Neuropsychologia ; 198: 108878, 2024 06 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38574806

ABSTRACT

The relation between the processing of space and time in the brain has been an enduring cross-disciplinary question. Grid cells have been recognized as a hallmark of the mammalian navigation system, with recent studies attesting to their involvement in the organization of conceptual knowledge in humans. To determine whether grid-cell-like representations support temporal processing, we asked subjects to mentally simulate changes in age and time-of-day, each constituting "trajectory" in an age-day space, while undergoing fMRI. We found that grid-cell-like representations supported trajecting across this age-day space. Furthermore, brain regions concurrently coding past-to-future orientation positively modulated the magnitude of grid-cell-like representation in the left entorhinal cortex. Finally, our findings suggest that temporal processing may be supported by spatially modulated systems, and that innate regularities of abstract domains may interface and alter grid-cell-like representations, similarly to spatial geometry.


Subject(s)
Brain Mapping , Grid Cells , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Grid Cells/physiology , Young Adult , Time Perception/physiology , Space Perception/physiology , Entorhinal Cortex/physiology , Entorhinal Cortex/diagnostic imaging , Imagination/physiology , Brain/physiology , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
17.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 3476, 2024 Apr 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38658530

ABSTRACT

Cognitive maps in the hippocampal-entorhinal system are central for the representation of both spatial and non-spatial relationships. Although this system, especially in humans, heavily relies on vision, the role of visual experience in shaping the development of cognitive maps remains largely unknown. Here, we test sighted and early blind individuals in both imagined navigation in fMRI and real-world navigation. During imagined navigation, the Human Navigation Network, constituted by frontal, medial temporal, and parietal cortices, is reliably activated in both groups, showing resilience to visual deprivation. However, neural geometry analyses highlight crucial differences between groups. A 60° rotational symmetry, characteristic of a hexagonal grid-like coding, emerges in the entorhinal cortex of sighted but not blind people, who instead show a 90° (4-fold) symmetry, indicative of a square grid. Moreover, higher parietal cortex activity during navigation in blind people correlates with the magnitude of 4-fold symmetry. In sum, early blindness can alter the geometry of entorhinal cognitive maps, possibly as a consequence of higher reliance on parietal egocentric coding during navigation.


Subject(s)
Blindness , Brain Mapping , Entorhinal Cortex , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Humans , Blindness/physiopathology , Male , Adult , Female , Entorhinal Cortex/diagnostic imaging , Entorhinal Cortex/physiopathology , Entorhinal Cortex/physiology , Brain Mapping/methods , Parietal Lobe/diagnostic imaging , Parietal Lobe/physiopathology , Middle Aged , Spatial Navigation/physiology , Young Adult , Visually Impaired Persons , Cognition/physiology , Imagination/physiology
18.
Cell Rep ; 43(4): 114071, 2024 Apr 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38592973

ABSTRACT

Understanding how emotional processing modulates learning and memory is crucial for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by emotional memory dysfunction. We investigate how human medial temporal lobe (MTL) neurons support emotional memory by recording spiking activity from the hippocampus, amygdala, and entorhinal cortex during encoding and recognition sessions of an emotional memory task in patients with pharmaco-resistant epilepsy. Our findings reveal distinct representations for both remembered compared to forgotten and emotional compared to neutral scenes in single units and MTL population spiking activity. Additionally, we demonstrate that a distributed network of human MTL neurons exhibiting mixed selectivity on a single-unit level collectively processes emotion and memory as a network, with a small percentage of neurons responding conjointly to emotion and memory. Analyzing spiking activity enables a detailed understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying emotional memory and could provide insights into how emotion alters memory during healthy and maladaptive learning.


Subject(s)
Emotions , Memory , Neurons , Humans , Emotions/physiology , Neurons/physiology , Memory/physiology , Male , Adult , Female , Temporal Lobe/physiology , Amygdala/physiology , Entorhinal Cortex/physiology , Hippocampus/physiology , Young Adult
19.
Neurología (Barc., Ed. impr.) ; 39(3): 244-253, Abr. 2024. ilus, tab, graf
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-231690

ABSTRACT

Introducción: La relación entre la corteza entorrinal y el hipocampo ha sido estudiada por diferentes autores, que han destacado la importancia de las células de cuadrícula, las células de posicionamiento y la conexión trisináptica en los procesos que regulan: la persistencia de la memoria espacial, explícita y reciente, y su posible afección con el envejecimiento. Objetivo: Observar si existen diferencias en el tamaño y número de células de cuadrícula contenidas en la lámina iii de la corteza entorrinal y en la capa granular del giro dentado del hipocampo de pacientes mayores. Métodos: Realizamos estudios posmortem del cerebro de 6 sujetos de edades comprendidas entre los 56 y 87 años. Los cortes de cerebros que contenían el giro dentado del hipocampo y la corteza entorrinal adyacente se tiñeron con el método de Klüver-Barrera, después se midió, mediante el programa Image J, el área neuronal individual, el área neuronal total, así como el número de neuronas, contenidas en cuadrículas rectangulares a nivel de la lámina iii de la corteza entorrinal y la lámina ii del giro dentado y se llevó a cabo un análisis estadístico. Resultados: Se ha observado una reducción de la población celular de la capa piramidal externa de la corteza entorrinal, así como de las neuronas de la capa granular del giro dentado relacionada con el envejecimiento. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados indican que el envejecimiento produce una disminución en el tamaño y la densidad neuronal en las células de cuadrícula de la corteza entorrinal y de posicionamiento del giro dentado.(AU)


Introduction: The relationship between the entorhinal cortex and the hippocampus has been studied by different authors, who have highlighted the importance of grid cells, place cells, and the trisynaptic circuit in the processes that they regulate: the persistence of spatial, explicit, and recent memory and their possible impairment with ageing. Objective: We aimed to determine whether older age causes changes in the size and number of grid cells contained in layer III of the entorhinal cortex and in the granular layer of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Methods: We conducted post-mortem studies of the brains of 6 individuals aged 56-87 years. The brain sections containing the dentate gyrus and the adjacent entorhinal cortex were stained according to the Klüver-Barrera method, then the Image J software was used to measure the individual neuronal area, the total neuronal area, and the number of neurons contained in rectangular areas in layer III of the entorhinal cortex and layer II of the dentate gyrus. Statistical analysis was subsequently performed. Results: We observed an age-related reduction in the cell population of the external pyramidal layer of the entorhinal cortex, and in the number of neurons in the granular layer of the dentate gyrus. Conclusion: Our results indicate that ageing causes a decrease in the size and density of grid cells of the entorhinal cortex and place cells of the dentate gyrus.(AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Entorhinal Cortex , Hippocampus , Spatial Memory , Neurology , Nervous System Diseases
20.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 121(12): e2315758121, 2024 Mar 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38489383

ABSTRACT

Grid cells in the entorhinal cortex (EC) encode an individual's location in space, integrating both environmental and multisensory bodily cues. Notably, body-derived signals are also primary signals for the sense of self. While studies have demonstrated that continuous application of visuo-tactile bodily stimuli can induce perceptual shifts in self-location, it remains unexplored whether these illusory changes suffice to trigger grid cell-like representation (GCLR) within the EC, and how this compares to GCLR during conventional virtual navigation. To address this, we systematically induced illusory drifts in self-location toward controlled directions using visuo-tactile bodily stimulation, while maintaining the subjects' visual viewpoint fixed (absent conventional virtual navigation). Subsequently, we evaluated the corresponding GCLR in the EC through functional MRI analysis. Our results reveal that illusory changes in perceived self-location (independent of changes in environmental navigation cues) can indeed evoke entorhinal GCLR, correlating in strength with the magnitude of perceived self-location, and characterized by similar grid orientation as during conventional virtual navigation in the same virtual room. These data demonstrate that the same grid-like representation is recruited when navigating based on environmental, mainly visual cues, or when experiencing illusory forward drifts in self-location, driven by perceptual multisensory bodily cues.


Subject(s)
Grid Cells , Illusions , Spatial Navigation , Humans , Entorhinal Cortex/physiology , Grid Cells/physiology , Consciousness , Illusions/physiology , Touch , Spatial Navigation/physiology
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