Learning can result in memories which can last a lifetime and involve significant changes to the structure and function of cortical neurons. Although it defines us our knowledge about how and where learning occurs is still in its infancy. Since they are the site of synaptic input on neurons dendrites provide an ideal substrate for the dynamic encoding of information required during learning. However due to their small size measuring the dynamics of dendritic processes during learning is only possible using advanced imaging techniques. Here I will discuss recent results from my laboratory which investigates the changes in dendritic activity that occur in cortical neurons during learning of a sensory-association task. Using two-photon calcium imaging we recorded the calcium activity in tracked dendrites from layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons throughout learning. The results from this study illustrate individual dendrites are dynamic and undergo significant changes in sensory and behavioural-encoding throughout learning.

Nature Neuroscience volume 25 pages 1683–1692 (2022)
Nature Communications volume 12 Article number: 4509 (2021)
Science Volume 335 No. 6071, 989 (2012)