A behavioral analysis of dentate gyrus function

Abstract

Computational models of the dentate gyrus (DG) have suggested based on anatomical, electrophysiological, and computer simulation data that the DG plays an important role in learning and memory by processing and representing spatial information on the basis of conjunctive encoding, pattern separation, and encoding of spatial information in conjunction with the CA3. Behavioral evidence supports a role for the DG in mnemonic processing of spatial information based on the operation of conjunctive encoding of multiple sensory inputs, pattern separation of spatial (especially metric) information, and subsequent encoding in cooperation with CA3. A potential role of the DG in mediating processes, such as recall of sequential information and short-term memory as well as temporal order for remote memory, are also discussed.