Systems Biology of Learning and Memory

 

 

 H. Sapiens 

  displays many high level behaviors:

  * Learning

  * Memory

  * Cognition

  * Emotion

  * Creativity
homer brain

 

 

 

 

 

 These behaviors are generated by:

         The Brain 

 The brain consists of:

 

    Neurons

 

 which communicate through connections called:
spines

 

  Synapses

(Synapses mediate communication between neurons. An action potential generated by the pre-synaptic neuron arrives at a synaptic terminal, where it causes a brief release of a neurotransmitter, which diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to a receptor in the post-synaptic membrane. The resulting change in local membrane potential affects the excitability of the post-synaptic neuron).
synaptic plasticity
Synapses are "plastic": their structure and function depends on the recent history of previous activity.

LTP (Long Term Potentiation): a long-lasting increase in synaptic strength caused be brief period of high-frequency input.

LTP is the main cellular/molecular paradigm for learning and memory.
 
  Problem: explain high-level brain functionality (generating 'behavior') in terms of the well-known cellular & molecular properties of neurons and synapses, and their plasticity    
The actual problem
 

Neuronal Networks: a critical link for connecting brain function to neuronal plasticity.

Problem #1: How do neuronal networks employ neuronal and synaptic plasticity to generate appropriate 'systems levels' functionality?

Problem #2: How does a complex hierarchy of neuronal networks generate high level brain functionality?

We are currently addressing Problem #1

 

  


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