Adult-born neurons immature during learning are necessary for remote memory reconsolidation in rats

Memory reconsolidation, the process by which memories are again stabilized after being reactivated, has strengthened the idea that memory stabilization is a highly plastic process. To date, the molecular and cellular bases of reconsolidation have been extensively investigated particularly within the hippocampus. However, the role of adult neurogenesis in memory reconsolidation is unclear. Here, we combined functional imaging, retroviral and chemogenetic approaches in rats to tag and manipulate different populations of rat adult-born neurons. We find that both mature and immature adult-born neurons are activated by remote memory retrieval. However, only specific silencing of the adult-born neurons immature during learning impairs remote memory retrieval-induced reconsolidation. Hence, our findings show that adult-born neurons immature during learning are required for the maintenance and update of remote memory reconsolidation. The role of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in memory reconsolidation is unclear. Here, the authors show that memory retrieval activates both immature and mature adult-born neurons. However, only adult-born neurons immature during learning are required for remote memory reconsolidation in rats.

Automated summary

The study found that adult-born neurons play a crucial role in memory reconsolidation, particularly immature adult-born neurons during learning are necessary for remote memory reconsolidation in rats.