Dynamic Theta Networks in the Human Medial Temporal Lobe Support Episodic Memory

Ethan A. Solomon, Joel M. Stein, Sandhitsu Das, Richard Gorniak, Michael R. Sperling, Gregory Worrell, Cory S. Inman, Ryan J. Tan, Barbara C. Jobst, Daniel S. Rizzuto, Michael J. Kahana

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

The medial temporal lobe (MTL) is a locus of episodic memory in the human brain. It is comprised of cytologically distinct subregions that, in concert, give rise to successful encoding and retrieval of context-dependent memories. However, the functional connections between these subregions are poorly understood. To determine functional connectivity among MTL subregions, we had 131 subjects fitted with indwelling electrodes perform a verbal memory task and asked how encoding or retrieval correlated with inter-regional synchronization. Using phase-based measures of connectivity, we found that synchronous theta (4–8 Hz) activity underlies successful episodic memory. During encoding, we observed a dynamic pattern of connections converging on the left entorhinal cortex, beginning with the perirhinal cortex and shifting through hippocampal subfields. Retrieval-associated networks demonstrated enhanced involvement of the subiculum and CA1, reflecting a substantial reorganization of the encoding network. We posit that coherent theta activity within the MTL marks periods of successful memory, but distinct patterns of connectivity dissociate key stages of memory processing. The medial temporal lobe (MTL) is key to episodic memory, but little is known about communication between its subparts. Solomon et al. analyze phase relations between MTL subregions in 131 humans with depth electrodes, identifying the entorhinal cortex as a hub of theta connectivity during encoding, and a reorganized network supporting retrieval.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1100-1111.e4
JournalCurrent Biology
Volume29
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2019

Keywords

  • ECoG
  • LFP
  • connectivity
  • entorhinal cortex
  • episodic memory
  • hippocampus
  • networks
  • theta

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dynamic Theta Networks in the Human Medial Temporal Lobe Support Episodic Memory'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this