Making memories. on the fly

Abstract

Stimulus directed behavior is regulated by communication between neurons within neural circuits throughout an animal's brain. Experience can change the dynamics of neural circuits by modifying specific synaptic connections. However, pinpointing the sites of behavioral-relevant plasticity has proven challenging. Technical advances in controlling and monitoring neural activity in behaving animals have allowed for marked progress in understanding the logic underlying learning and memory in the model system Drosophila melanogaster. The fruit fly has a numerically simple brain and probing identified network components has become feasible. Here, we discuss cellular and circuit mechanisms underlying associative learning. We also provide insights into the computational operations encoding associative memories in the fly. Beyond their roles in learning and memory retrieval, these circuit components are recruited for the reevaluation of memories during memory extinction and reconsolidation.