Cambridge – A study published in the journal Cell Reports has identified the role of the lateral entorhinal cortex in episodic memory, demonstrating that the inhibition of neurons in this area of the brain impairs performance, while stimulating them facilitates the recall of this type of memory, which allows individuals to remember lived experiences. The study was conducted by a group of researchers from the National Research Council of Pisa's Neuroscience Institute and the Bio@sns biology laboratory of the Scuola Normale Superiore, in collaboration with the Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam.

"Through the use of an experimental model, we demonstrated that the formation of memories is associated with an increase in the number of active neurons in the entorhinal cortex, as well as greater activity among these neurons. Furthermore, we found that the same neurons reactivate during the retrieval of the specific memory, while their silencing inhibits the ability to recall that specific memory," said Francesca Tozzi and Stefano Guglielmo from the Bio@sns biology laboratory of the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa.

"The results indicate that the lateral entorhinal cortex plays a crucial role in the brain circuit responsible for memory of our lives, including the formation and retrieval of memories, or engrams, related to personal experiences. The deterioration of episodic memory is one of the first signs of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and is often accompanied by alterations in the functionality of this brain area. Understanding the neurobiological processes underlying memory formation and retrieval may provide new insights that could help counter the development of these diseases, positively impacting our health,” concluded Nicola Origlia of CNR-In, coordinator of the research group. (9colonne)