The causal role of parietal theta oscillations in Angular Gyrus and Hippocampus communication during memory retrieval

• Applicant: Dr. Syanah Wynn, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Human Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience ; Biological Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 505367546

The project consists of two experiments that investigate the role of theta oscillations (4-8 Hz) in functional connectivity between brain regions involved in memory retrieval. The aim of experiment 1 is to investigate the correlation between parietal theta oscillations and the communication between the angular gyrus (AG) and the hippocampus (HC) in memory retrieval. Simultaneous measurements of electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG-fMRI) are used to relate the theta oscillations measured by EEG to the fMRI-based connectivity between AG and HC. The goal of Experiment 2 is to understand the causal role of the ongoing AG-theta oscillations in AG-HC communication. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and fMRI measurements (TMS-fMRI) are used simultaneously to investigate the direct effects of Theta-AG-TMS on AG-HC communication. The participants work on a memory task in which they memorize items and retrieve them again during the EEG-fMRI (experiment 1) or the TMS-fMRI (experiment 2). The primary goal of this project is to demonstrate the causal role of parietal theta oscillations in AG-HC communication during memory retrieval. However, the long-term perspective is also aimed at the use of TMS in clinical settings, e.g. in the treatment of memory problems.

• DFG Programme: WBP Position