View in EDS

Expectation-induced modulation of metastable activity underlies faster coding of sensory stimuli.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Expectation-induced modulation of metastable activity underlies faster coding of sensory stimuli.
Authors: Mazzucato, L. (AUTHOR), La Camera, G. (AUTHOR), Fontanini, A. (AUTHOR)
Source: Nature Neuroscience. May2019, Vol. 22 Issue 5, p787-796. 10p. 2 Charts, 5 Graphs.
Abstract: Sensory stimuli can be recognized more rapidly when they are expected. This phenomenon depends on expectation affecting the cortical processing of sensory information. However, the mechanisms responsible for the effects of expectation on sensory circuits remain elusive. In the present study, we report a novel computational mechanism underlying the expectation-dependent acceleration of coding observed in the gustatory cortex of alert rats. We use a recurrent spiking network model with a clustered architecture capturing essential features of cortical activity, such as its intrinsically generated metastable dynamics. Relying on network theory and computer simulations, we propose that expectation exerts its function by modulating the intrinsically generated dynamics preceding taste delivery. Our model's predictions were confirmed in the experimental data, demonstrating how the modulation of ongoing activity can shape sensory coding. Altogether, these results provide a biologically plausible theory of expectation and ascribe an alternative functional role to intrinsically generated, metastable activity. Sensory stimuli are recognized faster when they are expected. Comparing a spiking network model to cortical recordings from behaving animals, Mazzucato et al. show that expectation accelerates sensory processing by modulating the intrinsically generated activity preceding stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Nature Neuroscience is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Description
Abstract:Sensory stimuli can be recognized more rapidly when they are expected. This phenomenon depends on expectation affecting the cortical processing of sensory information. However, the mechanisms responsible for the effects of expectation on sensory circuits remain elusive. In the present study, we report a novel computational mechanism underlying the expectation-dependent acceleration of coding observed in the gustatory cortex of alert rats. We use a recurrent spiking network model with a clustered architecture capturing essential features of cortical activity, such as its intrinsically generated metastable dynamics. Relying on network theory and computer simulations, we propose that expectation exerts its function by modulating the intrinsically generated dynamics preceding taste delivery. Our model's predictions were confirmed in the experimental data, demonstrating how the modulation of ongoing activity can shape sensory coding. Altogether, these results provide a biologically plausible theory of expectation and ascribe an alternative functional role to intrinsically generated, metastable activity. Sensory stimuli are recognized faster when they are expected. Comparing a spiking network model to cortical recordings from behaving animals, Mazzucato et al. show that expectation accelerates sensory processing by modulating the intrinsically generated activity preceding stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:10976256
DOI:10.1038/s41593-019-0364-9