Neural cricut mechanisms of adaptive modulation of multiple memory systems in decision making

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K06935
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 46030:Function of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Amemiya Seiichiro 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 脳神経科学研究センター, 研究員 (20796015)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 記憶 / 行動選択

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Adaptive decision-making relies on the referencing and updating of different kinds of memories, including declarative memory and procedural memory. Locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons (LC-NA) are known to be involved in the regulation of these memories, as are their postsynaptic target regions, the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. However, how these circuits contribute to the mnemonic processes remains poorly understood. Our findings reveal that distinct groups of LC-NA project to the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. Furthermore, the transition between choice behaviors based on declarative memory and those based on procedural memory is controlled by the distinct groups of LC-NA.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

長年の記憶研究により、記憶は宣言的記憶と手続き的記憶など複数に分類されており、それらの個々の記憶と行動の関係の理解は進んできている。一方で、複数の記憶に基づき行動がどのように調節されているのかについての知見は乏しい。本研究は、複数の記憶を調節する神経回路メカニズムの一端を明らかにしたことで、記憶機能の包括的理解を進めるとともに、多様な行動を生み出す脳内原理の解明や脳が複数の記憶を獲得した意義の解明に貢献することが期待される