Gürsel Caliskan

Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Emotionally salient events can lead to formation of persistent vivid memories, which recruit a brain-wide network of cells communicating through specific rhythmic network activity patterns. The ventral portion of the hippocampus is a central hub in this network as it generates within its autoassociative CA3 network typical patterns of gamma oscillations and sharp wave ripples that are associated with reactivation of fear memory engrams. It is also intimately linked both anatomically and physiologically with the other cortical and subcortical regions that are involved emotion processing. Balanced oscillatory communication within and across these neuronal circuits is crucial for formation and long-term storage of healthy emotional memories. Deficits in these functions can lead to the development of fear and anxiety disorders such as post traumatic stress disorder. Our research focuses on how ventral hippocampal network oscillations and its synergy with its limbic partners mediate fear memory. We employ state-of-the-art pharmacogenetics intervention methods together with in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological recordings to interrogate underlying mechanisms and to develop strategies for targeted intervention.

Keywords: fear memory – local field potentials – network oscillations – pharmacogenetics – electrophysiology

Location: OVGU (FNW)

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