“Item Memory” Neurons: A New Discovery in the Study of the Brain

“Item Memory” Neurons: A New Discovery in the Study of the Brain

Neuroscientists have discovered specialized brain cells responsible for remembering the “what” of an event—a breakthrough that significantly advances our understanding of how memories are stored. In 2024, a study identified neurons in the lateral entorhinal cortex that activate when recalling specific items, effectively creating a neural “map” of the details associated with an experience.

When tested on mice, these neurons responded selectively to distinct cues. For example, one group of cells fired in response to the scent of a banana linked with a sweet reward, while another group reacted to the scent of pine paired with a bitter taste. This separation produced a neural record of both positive and negative “item–outcome” associations. Interestingly, the neurons in the entorhinal cortex worked in tandem with those in the prefrontal cortex. When activity in either region was disrupted, the mice were unable to distinguish or recall the outcomes of learned items. This co-dependent circuit demonstrates how the brain encodes detailed memories, including the emotions associated with them.

Beyond its theoretical value, this finding also has clinical implications. The researchers observed that item-memory neurons show diminished activity in Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a role in the memory deficits characteristic of dementia. By identifying this specific neural pathway, scientists now have a promising target for future interventions. If forthcoming treatments can restore or protect these neurons, they may enhance the brain’s ability to retain and retrieve complex memories (Jun et al., 2024). This study exemplifies how advanced neuroscience bridges laboratory discovery with the pursuit of treatments for cognitive disorders.

Sources

Jun, H., Lee, J. Y., Bleza, N. R., Ichii, A., Donohue, J. P., & Igarashi, K. M. (2024). Prefrontal and lateral entorhinal neurons co-dependently learn item–outcome rules. Nature, 633(8031), 864–871. nature.com | sciencedaily.com

University of California, Irvine. (2024, August 21). Discovery of “item memory” brain cells offers new Alzheimer’s treatment target. ScienceDaily (Press release)