Contribution of adult and developmentally-born dentate granule neurons to pattern separation

• Applicant: Dr. Désirée Seib
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells ; Sensory and Behavioural Biology
• Term: from 2013 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 246000957

New neurons are produced throughout life in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in the brain. These newborn neurons are believed to exert certain functions in memory and mood. However, their exact contribution is still under debate. The dentate gyrus is involved in a neuronal computing event termed pattern separation, differential computation of two similar experiences. Behavioral findings support a role of immature neurons in pattern separation. However, proof of this function at the cellular level is still missing. Additionally, there is evidence that adult-born neurons are especially activated in stressful situations.This proposal aims to clarify how developmentally and adult-born neurons encode different emotional and non-emotional contexts. This will give insight into the role of adult-born neurons in pattern separation of different experiences.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: Canada
• Host: Professor Dr. Jason Snyder