Time units for learning involving maintenance of system-wide cFos expression in neuronal assemblies

Abstract

Repeated experiences may be integrated in succession during a learning process, or they may be combined as a whole within dedicated time windows to possibly promote quality control. Here we show that in Pavlovian, incremental and incidental learning, related information acquired within time windows of 5 h is combined to determine what mice learn. Trials required for learning had to occur within 5 h, when learning-related shared cues could produce association and interference. Upon acquisition, cFos expression was elevated during 5 h throughout specific system-wide neuronal assemblies. Time window function depended on network activity and cFos expression. Local cFos activity was required for distant assembly recruitment through network activity and distant BDNF. Activation of learning-related cFos assemblies was sufficient and necessary for time window function. Therefore, learning processes consist of dedicated 5 h time windows (time units for learning), involving maintenance of system-wide neuronal assemblies through network activity and cFos expression.