title: Watching a memory form-VSD imaging reveals a novel memory mechanism.
abstract: Studies of the mechanisms underlying memory formation have largely focused on the synapse. However, recent evidence suggests that additional, non-synaptic, mechanisms also play important roles in this process. We recently described a novel memory mechanism whereby a particular class of neurons was recruited into theTritoniaescape swim network with sensitization, a non-associative form of learning. Neurons that in the naïve state were loosely-affiliated with the network were rapidly recruited in, transitioning from variably bursting (VB) to reliably bursting (RB). Even after the memory had faded some new neurons remained, and some original members had left, leaving the network in an altered state. Further, we identified a candidate cellular mechanism underlying these network changes. Our study supports the view that brain networks may have surprisingly fluid functional structures and adds to the growing body of evidence that non-synaptic mechanisms often operate synergistically with changes at the synapse to mediate memory formation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Rosalind Franklin University , North Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Evan S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Rosalind Franklin University , North Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Sunil K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Vasireddi
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Rosalind Franklin University , North Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Angela M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bruno
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Rosalind Franklin University , North Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: William N
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Frost
keywords: invertebrate; learning; neuronal allocation; neuronal network; synaptic plasticity; voltage-sensitive dye