Synaptic weight dynamics underlying systems consolidation of a memory.

How are memories transformed over time? We propose a simple organizing principle for how long term memories are moved from an initial to a final site of storage. We show that successful transfer occurs when the late site of memory storage is endowed with synaptic plasticity rules that stably accumulate changes in activity occurring at the early site of memory storage. We instantiate this principle in a simple computational model that is representative of brain circuits underlying a variety of behaviors. The model shows how neural circuits can store new memories while preserving core features of older ones, and suggests novel roles for core elements of the cerebellar circuit.