Hippocampal Spike-Timing Correlations Lead to Hexagonal Grid Fields

Monsalve-Mercado, Mauro M. and Leibold, Christian (2017): Hippocampal Spike-Timing Correlations Lead to Hexagonal Grid Fields. In: Physical Review Letters, Vol. 119, No. 3, 38101

Abstract

Space is represented in the mammalian brain by the activity of hippocampal place cells, as well as in their spike-timing correlations. Here, we propose a theory for how this temporal code is transformed to spatial firing rate patterns via spike-timing-dependent synaptic plasticity. The resulting dynamics of synaptic weights resembles well-known pattern formation models in which a lateral inhibition mechanism gives rise to a Turing instability. We identify parameter regimes in which hexagonal firing patterns develop as they have been found in medial entorhinal cortex.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Biology > Department Biology II > Neurobiology
• Research Centers: Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN)
• Subjects: 500 Science > 570 Life sciences; biology; 500 Science > 500 Science
• ISSN: 0031-9007
• Language: English