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Neurogenesis-mediated forgetting minimizes proactive interference

Author

Listed:
  • Jonathan R. Epp

    (Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children)

  • Rudy Silva Mera

    (Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children)

  • Stefan Köhler

    (Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario
    Baycrest Centre, Rotman Research Institute)

  • Sheena A. Josselyn

    (Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children
    University of Toronto
    University of Toronto
    Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto)

  • Paul W. Frankland

    (Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children
    University of Toronto
    University of Toronto
    Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto)

Abstract

Established memories may interfere with the encoding of new memories, particularly when existing and new memories overlap in content. By manipulating levels of hippocampal neurogenesis, here we show that neurogenesis regulates this form of proactive interference. Increasing hippocampal neurogenesis weakens existing memories and, in doing so, facilitates the encoding of new, conflicting (but not non-conflicting) information in mice. Conversely, decreasing neurogenesis stabilizes existing memories, and impedes the encoding of new, conflicting information. These results suggest that reduced proactive interference is an adaptive benefit of neurogenesis-induced forgetting.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan R. Epp & Rudy Silva Mera & Stefan Köhler & Sheena A. Josselyn & Paul W. Frankland, 2016. "Neurogenesis-mediated forgetting minimizes proactive interference," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms10838
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10838
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