Associative memory cells: Formation, function and perspective

Jin-Hui Wang,Shan Cui

doi:10.12688/f1000research.11096.2

Abstract

Associative learning and memory are common activities in life, and their cellular infrastructures constitute the basis of cognitive processes. Although neuronal plasticity emerges after memory formation, basic units and their working principles for the storage and retrieval of associated signals remain to be revealed. Current reports indicate that associative memory cells, through their mutual synapse innervations among the co-activated sensory cortices, are recruited to fulfill the integration, storage and retrieval of multiple associated signals, and serve associative thinking and logical reasoning. In this review, we aim to summarize associative memory cells in their formation, features and functional impacts.

Highlights

Associative learning and memory are common activities in life, and their cellular infrastructures constitute the basis of cognitive processes
Based on their roles in the integration and storage of information sources, associative memory cells in the sensory cortices that are formed after initial associative learning to memorize exogenous information are named as primary associative memory cells, and those memory cells in the cognition, emotion- and behavior-related brain areas recruited during associated cognition and emotion events to memorize endogenous information are named as secondary associative memory cells
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Summary

17 Mar 2017

Any reports and responses or comments on the article can be found at the end of the article. They receive new synapse innervations from the co-activated sensory cortices besides their innate sensory input for the integration and storage of associated innate and new signals Their axons project to brain areas that control behavior, cognition and emotion to initiate memory presentations. Based on their roles in the integration and storage of information sources, associative memory cells in the sensory cortices that are formed after initial associative learning to memorize exogenous information are named as primary associative memory cells, and those memory cells in the cognition-, emotion- and behavior-related brain areas recruited during associated cognition and emotion events to memorize endogenous information are named as secondary associative memory cells. Secondary associative memory cells can be cross-modal between cognition and emotion or between sensation and cognition/emotion, as well as intramodal in cognitions or emotions

Conclusions

Maren S

14. Hebb DO

20. Viskontas IV