Current Biology
Volume 25, Issue 22, 16 November 2015, Pages 2879-2888
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Article
Memory Formation in Tritonia via Recruitment of Variably Committed Neurons

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2015.09.033Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • A functional network rapidly expands as a short-term memory forms

  • Memory formation involves recruitment of a pre-positioned pool of neurons

  • The network does not return to its original state after the memory dissipates

  • Driving serotonergic neurons implants a false memory for sensitization

Summary

Prior studies have found that functional networks can rapidly add neurons as they build short-term memories, yet little is known about the principles underlying this process. Using voltage-sensitive dye imaging, we found that short-term sensitization of Tritonia’s swim motor program involves rapid expansion of the number of participating neurons. Tracking neurons across trials revealed that this involves the conversion of recently discovered variably participating neurons to reliable status. Further, we identify a candidate serotonergic cellular mechanism mediating this process. Our findings reveal a new mechanism for memory formation, involving recruitment of pre-positioned, variably committed neurons into memory networks. This represents a shift from the field’s long-term focus on synaptic plasticity, toward a view that certain neurons have characteristics that predispose them to join networks with learning.

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