Open AccessNavigating Through Time: A Spatial Navigation Perspective on How the Brain May Encode Time
Author(s) -
John B. Issa,
Gilad Tocker,
Michael E. Hasselmo,
James G. Heys,
Daniel A. Dombeck
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
annual review of neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.219
H-Index - 241
eISSN - 1545-4126
pISSN - 0147-006X
DOI - 10.1146/annurev-neuro-101419-011117
Subject(s) - encode , neuroscience , computer science , interval (graph theory) , perspective (graphical) , millisecond , time perception , optogenetics , circadian rhythm , parallels , artificial intelligence , biology , perception , mechanical engineering , biochemistry , physics , mathematics , combinatorics , astronomy , gene , engineering
Interval timing, which operates on timescales of seconds to minutes, is distributed across multiple brain regions and may use distinct circuit mechanisms as compared to millisecond timing and circadian rhythms. However, its study has proven difficult, as timing on this scale is deeply entangled with other behaviors. Several circuit and cellular mechanisms could generate sequential or ramping activity patterns that carry timing information. Here we propose that a productive approach is to draw parallels between interval timing and spatial navigation, where direct analogies can be made between the variables of interest and the mathematical operations necessitated. Along with designing experiments that isolate or disambiguate timing behavior from other variables, new techniques will facilitate studies that directly address the neural mechanisms that are responsible for interval timing.