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Hippocampal Spike-Timing Correlations Lead to Hexagonal Grid Fields

Mauro M. Monsalve-Mercado and Christian Leibold
Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 038101 – Published 19 July 2017
Physics logo See Synopsis: Explaining Grid-Cell Firing
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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.

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  • Received 10 February 2017

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.038101

© 2017 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Physics of Living Systems

Synopsis

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Explaining Grid-Cell Firing

Published 19 July 2017

A model explains why grid cells—neurons that are part of the brain’s positioning system—fire electrical pulses in hexagonal patterns.

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Authors & Affiliations

Mauro M. Monsalve-Mercado and Christian Leibold

  • Department Biologie II & Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU Munich, Großhadernerstr. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany, and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Munich, Großhadernerstr. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany

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Issue

Vol. 119, Iss. 3 — 21 July 2017

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