Neuronale Kodierung von Gedächtnis und sozialer Kognition

Projekt: Forschungsförderung

Projektdetails

Abstract

Wider research context / theoretical framework:
Social memory is essential for everyday interactions, and comprises social recognition and navigation (recognition of others/representation of others in space). Its neural underpinnings have been tested in animals, along with alterations in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), schizophrenia, or autism, but corresponding research in humans is missing. We aim to close this gap, providing a thorough understanding of how social memory is implemented in the human brain, informing potential treatments for social (memory) deficits.

Hypotheses / research questions / objectives:
Work over recent years revealed that both spatial and abstract information (spatial navigation, stimulus categorization along different dimensions) is neurally coded in the medial temporal lobe, involving grid cells in the entorhinal cortex. Their periodic firing fields are arranged hexagonally, providing a holistic representation of the current space, detectable using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Here, we put forward the thus far untested idea that grid cell representations provide the underlying metric to physically and mentally “navigate” social space. If confirmed, our research will offer ground-breaking insights into social memory.

Approach / methods:
We will test our specific predictions across three complementary fMRI experiments that assess social navigation and recognition, and the putative breakdown of grid cell coding in healthy young individuals at genetic risk for AD. We will test the behavioral consequences of grid cell coding and utilize brain connectivity techniques to appreciate that social memory relies on concerted integration of information across brain regions. Our work will cumulate in a novel theoretical framework and review paper, streamlining future research in the field.

Level of originality / innovation:
The idea that grid cell coding underpins social memory is novel and has never been tested before (originality of the proposal). We will translate findings from animals to humans (translation across species), characterize grid cell coding in light of whole-brain networks (innovation by methodology), and will test the potential clinical implications of our findings (clinical implications). While major innovations naturally bear risks, our work is grounded upon a strong conceptual framework (innovation with a solid basis).

Primary researchers involved:
PI Dr. Wagner (University of Vienna, UV), an experienced memory researcher and fourth-year postdoc with a strong track record, will lead the project. She will be mentored by Co-Investigator Prof. Lamm (UV), a pioneer in the field of social and cognitive neuroscience. International Collaborators Dr. Stangl (University of California of Los Angeles) and Asst.-Prof. Omer (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem) will contribute their essential expertise in the analysis of grid cell representations in humans and social memory in rodents.
StatusAbgeschlossen
Tatsächlicher Beginn/ -es Ende1/07/2130/06/24

Schlagwörter

  • Grid cells
  • Memory
  • Social Neuroscience
  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)