Cell type-specific contribution of the dentate gyrus to sharp wave ripples and associated memory recall

• Applicant: Dr. Leonie Pothmann
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: Funded in 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 311097071

One of the major goals in neuroscience is to mechanistically understand the processes underlying the storage and recall of memories. A key network event associated with memory function are the sharp waves, large electrographic events in the brain that occur in the CA1 area of the hippocampus during slow wave sleep and periods of immobility. Work from several laboratories has shown that sharp waves and the associated ripple oscillations (sharp wave ripples; 140-200 Hz; SWRs) reflect the replay of episodic memory sequences and are required for subsequent memory recall. While the hippocampal CA3 area is critically involved in SWR generation, there are competing hypotheses about the involvement of other key parts of the hippocampal formation. In this project, I propose to test the hypothesis that the dentate gyrus, a brain area reciprocally connected with CA3, participates in SWRs in a highly cell type-specific manner. Specifically, I will test the contributions of the dentate gyrus to SWRs in the mouse hippocampus using a combination of in vivo electrophysiological and closed-loop optogenetic methods, complemented by learning and memory behavioral studies. It is anticipated that this project will offer me a unique opportunity to mechanistically understand a network event with a well-defined cognitive function.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Ivan Soltesz, Ph.D.