Assessments of dentate gyrus function: discoveries and debates

There has been considerable speculation regarding the function of the dentate gyrus (DG) — a subregion of the mammalian hippocampus — in learning and memory. In this Perspective article, we compare leading theories of DG function. We note that these theories all critically rely on the generation of distinct patterns of activity in the region to signal differences between experiences and to reduce interference between memories. However, these theories are divided by the roles they attribute to the DG during learning and recall and by the contributions they ascribe to specific inputs or cell types within the DG. These differences influence the information that the DG is thought to impart to downstream structures. We work towards a holistic view of the role of DG in learning and memory by first developing three critical questions to foster a dialogue between the leading theories. We then evaluate the extent to which previous studies address our questions, highlight remaining areas of conflict, and suggest future experiments to bridge these theories. Various theories exist for the function of the dentate gyrus in learning and memory. In this Perspective article, Rangel and colleagues compare a number of these theories and discuss how they may be further tested to develop a better understanding of dentate gyrus function.