Research Summary
Episodic memory consolidation transforms new experiences into stable, lasting memories—and is essential for learning. Sleep, particularly slow wave sleep, plays a key role in this process. During slow wave sleep, communication between brain regions, such as the hippocampus and cortex, supports memory consolidation. Recent findings suggest that the claustrum—a lesser-known brain region—also helps modulate slow wave activity, but its specific role in memory consolidation remains unclear.
As Canada Research Chair in Neural Circuits, Dr. Jesse Jackson is shedding light on the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie memory formation and exploring how disruptions can be prevented or reversed. He and his research team are determining how claustrum neuron activity coordinates with memory-related brain rhythms during sleep and how activating or suppressing these neurons can influence memory-related behaviour. This research could lead to new strategies for enhancing memory and treating memory-related disorders.