Interaction between theta phase and spike timing-dependent plasticity simulates theta-induced memory effects

Wang, D., Parish, G., Shapiro, K. L. and Hanslmayr, S. (2023) Interaction between theta phase and spike timing-dependent plasticity simulates theta-induced memory effects. eNeuro, 10(3), ENEURO.0333-22.2023. (doi: 10.1523/ENEURO.0333-22.2023) (PMID:36810147) (PMCID:PMC10012328)

Abstract

Rodent studies suggest that spike timing relative to hippocampal theta activity determines whether potentiation or depression of synapses arise. Such changes also depend on spike timing between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, known as spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). STDP, together with theta phase-dependent learning, has inspired several computational models of learning and memory. However, evidence to elucidate how these mechanisms directly link to human episodic memory is lacking. In a computational model, we modulate long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of STDP, by opposing phases of a simulated theta rhythm. We fit parameters to a hippocampal cell culture study in which LTP and LTD were observed to occur in opposing phases of a theta rhythm. Further, we modulated two inputs by cosine waves with 0° and asynchronous phase offsets and replicate key findings in human episodic memory. Learning advantage was found for the in-phase condition, compared with the out-of-phase conditions, and was specific to theta-modulated inputs. Importantly, simulations with and without each mechanism suggest that both STDP and theta phase-dependent plasticity are necessary to replicate the findings. Together, the results indicate a role for circuit-level mechanisms, which bridge the gap between slice preparation studies and human memory.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: STDP, episodic memory, theta oscillations.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hanslmayr, Professor Simon and Wang, Dr Danying
• Authors: Wang, D., Parish, G., Shapiro, K. L., and Hanslmayr, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: eNeuro
• Publisher: Society for Neuroscience
• ISSN: 2373-2822
• ISSN (Online): 2373-2822
• Published Online: 21 February 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 Wang et al.
• First Published: First published in eNeuro 10(3): ENEURO.0333-22.2023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
313261		Neural oscillations - a code for memory	Simon Hanslmayr	European Commission (EC)	N/A	Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging
314597		TIME - GLUING CROSS-MODAL MEMORIES VIA SYNCHRONISATION	Simon Hanslmayr	Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)	ES/R010072/2	Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging