Neural mechanism of spatial navigation and memory

National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke

Investigators

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Abstract

Our current research projects are centered around two major aims: Aim 1. Understanding the principle for the representation of spatial information in the MEC network. We will harness the cellular-resolution optical tools to test the hypotheses of many theoretical models at the microcircuit level, which was previously inaccessible using conventional approaches. Aim 2. Uncovering the circuit and molecular mechanisms of the MEC in the formation, maintenance, and retrieval of spatial memory. We will particularly study the activity, structural and molecular dynamics of the MEC during these processes and investigate the causal link between the MEC dynamics and the encoding of spatial memory. In the past fiscal year, our progress can be summarized in the following two aspects. First, we have successfully built the infrastructure of the lab and recruited a strong research team. The lab is now equipped with rigs combining two-photon imaging and virtual reality, virtual reality behavioral rigs, surgery setups, epifluorescence microscopes, and equipment for microinjection and histology. All major transgenic mouse lines have been bred in NINDS animal care facility. The lab currently has five members, including one lab manager, three postdocs and one postbac. They have been trained directly by the PI and are actively working on their independent projects. Second, we have made significant progress on research projects. For aim 1, we have two relevant projects, which are focused on understanding the following features of the MEC: (1) the encoding of multisensory information in the MEC; (2) the functional relationship of different cell types during spatial navigation. In the past year, our goal was to establish experimental systems for the two projects so that we can successfully deliver specific sensory stimuli to the animal and reliably label and measure neural responses of specific cell types in the MEC. Currently we have finished setting up the systems for both projects and entered the phase of data collection. We expect that in the next year, we will be able to collect most data for publication. For aim 2, we have been actively investigating the role of the MEC during spatial learning. Our preliminary results revealed the neural dynamics of the MEC for the encoding of spatial memory. Meanwhile, we are collaborating with Dr. Joshua Gordon's group on performing additional experiments . Finally, we have recently established a collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Shen-Ju Chou in Academia Sinica in Taiwan. Our collaboration will be focused on understanding the functional property of the ectopic MEC in COUP-TF1 transgenic mice during spatial navigation.