OLMα2 Cells Bidirectionally Modulate Learning

Siwani S, França ASC, Mikulovic S, Reis A, Hilscher MM, Edwards SJ, Leão RN, Tort ABL, Kullander K

Neuron 99 (2) 404-412.e3 [2018-07-00; online 2018-07-00]

Inhibitory interneurons participate in mnemonic processes. However, defined roles for identified interneuron populations are scarce. A subpopulation of oriens lacunosum-moleculare (OLM) interneurons genetically defined by the expression of the nicotinic receptor α2 subunit has been shown to gate information carried by either the temporoammonic pathway or Schaffer collaterals in vitro. Here we set out to determine whether selective modulation of OLMα2 cells in the intermediate CA1 affects learning and memory in vivo. Our data show that intermediate OLMα2 cells can either enhance (upon their inhibition) or impair (upon their activation) object memory encoding in freely moving mice, thus exerting bidirectional control. Moreover, we find that OLMα2 cell activation inhibits fear-related memories and that OLMα2 cells respond differently to nicotine in the dorsoventral axis. These results suggest that intermediate OLMα2 cells are an important component in the CA1 microcircuit regulating learning and memory processes.

Bioinformatics Support for Computational Resources [Service]

Integrated Microscopy Technologies Stockholm [Collaborative]

PubMed 29983324

DOI 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.06.022

Crossref 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.06.022

Steven Edwards collaboration (Light-sheet)

Publications 9.5.1