Structure, Function and Logic of a Fly Memory Circuit - Larry Abbott

Structure, Function and Logic of a Fly Memory Circuit

Larry Abbott, PhD

Professor, Departments of Neuroscience
Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Biological Sciences 
Co-Director, Center for Theoretical Neuroscience
Columbia University Medical Center, City of New York

Host: Krishna Shenoy

Abstract

The insect mushroom body supports learning and memory of sensory associations. Theoretical analyses based on extensive anatomic knowledge can explain many features of mushroom body circuitry including numbers of neurons and synapses and wiring patterns. Building on these results, I will show how shared experience can align mushroom body output responses and discuss the application of machine learning methods to probe dopamine modulation and learning. Finally, I will present work done in collaboration with Richard Axel’s laboratory that provides a detail account of the synaptic basis of recognition memory in the fly.

Curriculum Vitae

Related papers

[1]Optimal Degrees of Synaptic Connectivity.  Ashok Litwin-Kumar, Kameron Decker Harris, Richard Axel, Haim Sompolinsky, L.F. Abbott. Neuron 2017, Volume 93, Issue 5, Pages 1153-1164.e7. doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2017.01.030

[2] Representations of Novelty and Familiarity in a Mushroom Body Compartment.  Daisuke Hattori, Yoshinori Aso, Kurtis J. Swartz, Gerald M. Rubin, L.F. Abbott, Richard Axel. Cell 2017, Volume 169, Issue 5, Pages 956-969.e17. doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2017.04.028