The objects we live with become a part of our memory, profoundly influencing who we are. They help us recognize and understand our surroundings, making daily life easier and more familiar.
But how do these memories form?
Scientists at UBC‘s faculty of medicine have discovered a new type of brain cell called ‘ovoid cells.’ These specialized neurons help us remember and recognize objects by activating when we encounter something new and storing it in our memory. This allows us to recognize those objects months or even years later.
These cells have distinct egg-like shapes, hence named ovoid cells. They are in relatively small numbers within the hippocampus of humans, mice, and other animals.
Credit: Cembrowski Lab/UBC Faculty of Medicine
Adrienne Kinman, a PhD student and lead author of the study, discovered ovoid cells while examining a mouse brain sample. She noticed a small group of neurons with unique gene expression. Further analysis showed these cells differ from other neurons in their structure and function.
Exactly why do people remember what they remember?
Kinman made ovoid cells glow when active inside the brain of mice to study the role of ovoid cells. Using a miniature microscope, the team observed the cells lighting up when the mice encountered new objects. As the mice got used to these objects, the cells stopped responding, indicating that the mice remembered the objects.
Kinman said, “What’s remarkable is how vividly these cells react when exposed to something new. It’s rare to witness such a clear link between cell activity and behavior. And in mice, the cells can remember a single encounter with an object for months, which is an extraordinary level of sustained memory for these animals.”
Researchers are now studying how ovoid cells might be involved in brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. They think that if these cells become too active or not active enough, they could cause symptoms of these conditions.
Adrienne Kinman explains that people with Alzheimer’s disease often forget familiar objects or loved ones’ faces. We might prevent or reverse these symptoms if we can control ovoid cells. In epilepsy, ovoid cells are overly active and might trigger seizures, making them a possible target for new treatments.
Dr. Cembrowski adds that finding these specialized neurons changes the long-held belief that the hippocampus only had one type of cell controlling memory. This discovery suggests other unknown neuron types in the brain with unique roles in learning and memory, opening up new possibilities for understanding and treating brain diseases.
Journal Reference:
- Kinman, A.I., Merryweather, D.N., Erwin, S.R. et al. Atypical hippocampal excitatory neurons express and govern object memory. Nat Commun 16, 1195 (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56260-8
Source: Tech Explorist
