Navigating Through Time: A Spatial Navigation Perspective on How the Brain May Encode Time

Annu Rev Neurosci. 2020 Jul 8:43:73-93. doi: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-101419-011117. Epub 2020 Jan 21.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: animal behavior; episodic memory; interval timing; neural circuits; spatial navigation; timing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Spatial Navigation / physiology*
  • Time*