Connectionists: Frontiers Research Topic: Memory Processes in Medial Temporal Lobe: Experimental, Theoretical and Computational Approaches

[Vassilis Cutsuridis]

Dear colleagues,

we would like to inform you that our Research Topic organized with
Frontiers in Neuroscience (Host Specialty: Frontiers in Systems
Neuroscience) is still open and it will be accepting abstracts till April
1st, 2014.

Our Research Topic is entitled:

"Memory Processes in Medial Temporal Lobe: Experimental, Theoretical and
Computational Approaches"

Topic Editors: Motoharu Yoshida (University of Bochum) and Vassilis
Cutsuridis (Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH))


Important deadlines
----------------------------
Abstract Submission Deadline: April 1st 2014

Article Submission Deadline: August 1st, 2014


Research Topic Description
----------------------------------------
The medial temporal lobe (MTL) includes the hippocampus, amygdala and
parahippocampal regions, and is crucial for episodic and spatial memory.
MTL memory function consists of distinct processes such as encoding,
consolidation and retrieval. Encoding is the process by which perceived
information is transformed into a memory trace. After encoding, memory
traces are stabilized by consolidation. Memory retrieval (recall) refers to
the process by which memory traces are reactivated to access information
previously encoded and stored in the brain. Although underlying neural
mechanisms supporting these distinct functional stages remain largely
unknown, recent studies have indicated that distinct oscillatory dynamics,
specific neuron types, synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation, play a
central role. The theta rhythm is believed to be crucial in the encoding
and retrieval of memories. Experimental and computational studies indicate
that precise timing of principal cell firing in the hippocampus, relative
to the theta rhythm, underlies encoding and retrieval processes. On the
other hand, sharp-wave ripples have been implicated in the consolidation
through the "replay" of memories in compressed time scales.

The neural circuits and cell types supporting memory processes in the MTL
areas have only recently been delineated using experimental approaches such
as optogenetics, juxtacellular recordings and optical imaging. Principal
(excitatory) cells are crucial for encoding, storing and retrieving
memories at the cellular level, whereas inhibitory interneurons provide the
temporal structures for orchestrating the activities of neuronal
populations of principal cells by regulating synaptic integration and
timing of action potential generation of principal cells as well as the
generation and maintenance of network oscillations (rhythms). In addition,
neuromodulators such as acetylcholine alter dynamical properties of neurons
and synapses, and modulate oscillatory state and rules of synaptic
plasticity and their levels might tune MTL to specific memory processes.

The goal of the research topic is to offer a snapshot of the current
stateof-the-art on how memories are encoded, consolidated, stored and
retrieved in MTL structures. Particularly welcome will be studies
(experimental or computational) focusing on the structure and function of
neural circuits, their cellular components (principal cell and inhibitory
interneurons), synaptic plasticity rules involved in these memory
processes, network oscillations such as theta and sharp-wave ripples,
and role of neuromodulators.

Possible questions are:

(1) Which areas or pathways within the MTL support
encoding/consolidation/retrieval?
(2) What neural activity defines specific memory processes?
(3) What are the roles of neuromodulators in defining/switching these
memory processes?
(4) Could the role of synaptic plasticity be different in different memory
processes?
(5) What functional roles do the various inhibitory interneurons support
during the encoding/consolidation/retrieval processes?


About Frontiers Research Topics
------------------------------------------------
Frontiers Research Topics are designed to be an organized,
encyclopedic coverage of a particular research area, and a forum for
discussion and debate. Contributions can be of different article types
(Original Research, Methods, Hypothesis & Theory, and others).

Our Research Topic has a dedicated homepage on the Frontiers website,
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article accepted for publication incurs a publishing fee, which varies
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discounted quite steeply thanks to the support of the Frontiers Research
Foundation.
Details on Frontiers' fees can be found at
http://www.frontiersin.org/about/PublishingFees.

When published, your article will be freely available to visitors to
the Frontiers site, and will be indexed in PubMed and other academic
archives. As an author in Frontiers, you will retain the copyright to your
own paper and all figures.

The details regarding this Research Topic for Frontiers in Systems
Neuroscience can be found at the following URL:
http://www.frontiersin.org/systems_neuroscience/researchtopics/memory_processes_in_medial_tem_1/2540


Should you choose to participate, please confirm by sending a quick
email and then your abstract using the following link:
http://www.frontiersin.org/submissioninfo


Thanks in advance for your interest!


Vassilis Cutsuridis and Motoharu Yoshida

---
Vassilis Cutsuridis, PhD
IMBB - FORTH
Heraklion, Crete
Greece
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