Encoding and storage of spatial information in the retrosplenial cortex
Abstract
The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is a key part of a network of brain regions that processes and stores spatial information. However, it is unclear whether the RSC actually encodes or stores spatial information. With time-lapse two-photon in vivo imaging that allowed us to study the immediate early gene c-fos expression in tens of thousands of cells in the RSC, we uncovered repetitive activation of a fraction of cells in this structure during spatial learning. We also showed that RSC inactivation disrupts performance in a spatial task, whereas overexpressing of the transcription factor CREB results in enhanced spatial memory. Silencing the CREB-expressing neurons occluded these memory enhancements. These results demonstrate that the retrosplenial cortex is involved in the formation and storage of spatial information.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- June 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1313222111
- Bibcode:
- 2014PNAS..111.8661C