BCS Colloquium Series: Nelson Spruston
Description
Talk Title: Longitudinal imaging of thousands of hippocampal neurons reveals emergence of internal models that parallel changes in behavioral strategy
Abstract: Brains build predictive models to guide behavior. Considerable progress has been made to identify how various brain regions and plasticity mechanisms contribute to the formation of these internal models, but longitudinal studies assessing the underlying cellular changes during learning are limited. I will describe unpublished work from my lab in which we use a large-field-of-view microscope to image activity in thousands of neurons in the hippocampus as mice learn a sensory-cued, two-alternative-choice task. Despite the apparent simplicity of the task, mice learn to perform it over the course of several days in a process that involves not only gradual improvement, but also discrete changes in behavioral strategy. Analysis of the neural data collected during learning reveals stepwise changes in neural activity consistent with the emergence of internal models that shape behavioral strategies. For example, sharp, persistent changes in the encoding of distinct visual cues occur, allowing neural representations to be used to predict future reward locations, even after the cues have disappeared. These experimental and analytical approaches present an opportunity to gain insight into the neural underpinnings of complex, learned behavior, thus opening the door to new experiments that will reveal the cellular and synaptic mechanisms that shape them.
Bio: Dr. Nelson Spruston is a Laboratory Head and Chief of Scientific Operations and Programs at the Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Spruston is a neuroscientist with a long-standing interest in the cellular, synaptic, and circuit-based mechanisms of memory-guided behavior. In addition to his research, he is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of Janelia’s mission, including research, training, and scientific outreach.
Followed by a reception in the 3rd floor atrium with appetizers and drinks.
This talk is available to the MIT community via zoom webinar:
https://mit.zoom.us/j/96421597736