# Hippocampus, Retrosplenial Cortex and Contextual Learning and Memory

> **NIH NIH R01** · CORNELL UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $408,037

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
 This project is aimed at understanding the neural mechanisms of learning and memory. An extensive
literature has documented the role of the hippocampus, retrosplenial cingulate cortex and anterior thalamus in
memory functions. Damage to these brain regions is a primary cause of the memory impairments seen in
Alzheimer's disease, age-related memory decline, and various human amnesic syndromes and learning
disabilities. Abnormalities in these structures have also been implicated in depression, anxiety and
schizophrenia. Understanding the function of these systems is crucial for the development of treatment
strategies for patients with these conditions. The memory role of the hippocampus has been well documented
and, although they have not been studied as extensively, the retrosplenial cortex and anterior thalamus are
also known to play a critical role in learning and memory. However, the precise contribution of each of these
brain regions to the learning process remains unclear. Recent findings suggest that these closely
interconnected structures form a functional circuit which mediates spatial and contextual memory. The
proposed experiments are focused on understanding how memory-related information is represented by
neurons in the retrosplenial cortex, and how interactions of the retrosplenial cortex, hippocampus and anterior
thalamus support memory functions. In order to investigate this, neuronal activity will be recorded in these
brain regions as rats perform various spatial and contextual memory tasks. Optogenetic, chemogenetic and
neurochemical methods will be used to suppress neuronal activity in various components of this circuit in order
to assess their contributions to functioning in the broader memory circuit. By monitoring neuronal responses as
subjects learn and the effects of temporary inactivation within the circuit, it will be possible to determine how
memory related information is processed and how memory may fail when damage occurs within the circuit.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9844002
- **Project number:** 5R01MH083809-08
- **Recipient organization:** CORNELL UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** David J Bucci
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $408,037
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2009-12-02 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9844002

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9844002, Hippocampus, Retrosplenial Cortex and Contextual Learning and Memory (5R01MH083809-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9844002. Licensed CC0.

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