A Modeling Framework for Deriving the Structural and Functional Architecture of a Short-Term Memory Microcircuit

Dimitry Fisher, Itsaso Olasagasti, David W. Tank, Emre R.F. Aksay, Mark S. Goldman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although many studies have identified neural correlates of memory, relatively little is known about the circuit properties connecting single-neuron physiology to behavior. Here we developed a modeling framework to bridge this gap and identify circuit interactions capable of maintaining short-term memory. Unlike typical studies that construct a phenomenological model and test whether it reproduces select aspects of neuronal data, we directly fit the synaptic connectivity of an oculomotor memory circuit to a broad range of anatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral data. Simultaneous fits to all data, combined with sensitivity analyses, revealed complementary roles of synaptic and neuronal recruitment thresholds in providing the nonlinear interactions required to generate the observed circuit behavior. This work provides a methodology for identifying the cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying short-term memory and demonstrates how the anatomical structure of a circuit may belie its functional organization

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)987-1000
Number of pages14
JournalNeuron
Volume79
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 4 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Neuroscience

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