Raphael Heldman, Dongyan Pang, Xiaoliang Zhao, Yingxue Wang. A CA1 circuit motif that signals the start of information integration. bioRxiv 2023.03.12.532295; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.03.12.532295

Abstract
“Integrating information from the recent past is critical for guiding predictions and shaping behavior. The process of integrating information, such as tracking distance traveled or time elapsed, begins with establishing a starting point. Yet, the mechanisms by which neural circuits utilize relevant cues to initiate integration remain unknown. Our study sheds light on this question by identifying a subpopulation of CA1 pyramidal neurons called PyrDown. These neurons shut down their activity at the beginning of distance or time integration and then gradually ramp up their firing as the animal approaches the reward. PyrDown neurons provide a mechanism for representing integrated information through ramping activity, complementing the well-known place/time cells that respond to specific distances or time points. Our findings also reveal that parvalbumin inhibitory interneurons mediate the shutdown of PyrDown neurons, uncovering a circuit motif that enables the initiation of subsequent information integration to improve future predictions.”

Raphael Heldman, Dongyan Pang, Xiaoliang Zhao, Yingxue Wang. A CA1 circuit motif that signals the start of information integration. bioRxiv 2023.03.12.532295; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.03.12.532295