Reactivation of memory traces during hippocampal sharp wave ripples (SPW-Rs) drives memory consolidation, a process that occurs almost exclusively during non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep and quiet wakefulness. Feng et al. identify a population of hippocampal interneurons that are selectively active during these ‘offline’ states and regulate sleep-dependent SPW-R generation and memory consolidation.
Feng et al. hypothesized that the sleep-dependence of memory consolidation is mediated by neurons that are sensitive to signals of brain state. One such signal is the neuromodulator acetylcholine (ACh), which is present at high levels during active wakefulness and REM sleep but drops to low levels during NREM sleep. Through a re-analysis of published mouse single-cell transcriptomic datasets, the authors identified a population of hippocampal GABAergic neurons that express the inhibitory ACh receptor CHRM2. Genetic targeting of these neurons coupled with fibre photometry confirmed that they are preferentially active during NREM sleep.
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Source: Nature Reviews Neuroscience — Read the full article on the original site ↗