Behavioral status modulates CA2 influence on hippocampal network dynamics

Dynamic interactions between the subregions of the hippocampus are required for the encoding and consolidation of memory. While the interplay and contributions of the CA1 and CA3 regions are well understood, we continue to learn more about how CA2 differentially contributes to the organization of network function. For example, CA2 place cells have been reported to be less spatially tuned during exploration, but uniquely capable of coding place while an animal stops. Here we applied chemogenetics to transiently silence CA2 pyramidal cells and found that CA2 influences hippocampal dynamics in a state-dependent manner. We find that during rest, CA2 inhibition reduces synchronization across regions (CA1, CA2, CA3) and frequency bands (low-gamma- and ripple-band). Moreover, during new learning CA1 place field formation is slower in the absence of CA2 transmission and during pausing, CA1 pyramidal cells are less excitable without CA2 drive. On the network level, a novel convolutional neural network (SpikeDecoder) was employed to show subregion and state-dependent changes in spatial coding that agree with our observations on the single cell level. Together these data suggest additional novel roles for CA2 in governing and differentiating hippocampal dynamics under discrete behavioral states.

Automated summary

Dynamic interactions between the subregions of the hippocampus are necessary for memory encoding and consolidation. This study focuses on understanding the role of the CA2 region in hippocampal dynamics. By using chemogenetics to silence CA2 pyramidal cells, the researchers found that CA2 influences hippocampal synchronization and network activity during rest and new learning. The findings also suggest that CA2 is important for the excitability of CA1 pyramidal cells during pausing. Overall, these results provide novel insights into the distinct contributions of CA2 in regulating hippocampal dynamics.