The retrieval of information stored by a spike timing-dependent plasticity rule
Whereas much research has been directed towards understanding the rules of induction of synaptic plasticity, much less has been done on the retrieval of this information.
No theory of memory can be complete without this understanding. We are currently investigating the relation between encoding and retrieval of information during network oscillations for optimal memory performance of cortical networks.
In the future we aim to bring these strands of research together by investigating the relation between network oscillations and synaptic plasticity.
This research programme promises to give insight into a cortical network code, i.e. how neurons collectively can represent information in a form conducive to storage and retrieval, and could also contribute to the understanding of disease processes affecting cortical processing, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Relation between synaptic plasticity and behavioural memory.
To begin to build bridges between synaptic plasticity and behavioural memory, we focus on molecules that are essential for both. In particular, we concentrate on the GluA1 (GluR-A) subunit of the AMPA receptor, in collaboration with Professor Nick Rawlins and Dr David Bannerman in the Department of Experimental Psychology.