Circuit Mechanisms of Sensorimotor Learning

• Published in: Neuron (Cambridge, Mass.) Vol. 92; no. 4; pp. 705 - 721
• Main Authors: Makino, Hiroshi, Hwang, Eun Jung, Hedrick, Nathan G., Komiyama, Takaki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 23.11.2016; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Activity patterns; Animals; Association Learning - physiology; Associative learning; Behavior; Brain - physiology; Brain research; Experiments; Feedback; Humans; Learning - physiology; Memory; Models, Neurological; Motor skill; Motor skill learning; Motor Skills - physiology; Neurons; Perception - physiology; Psychomotor Performance - physiology; Sensorimotor system; Sensory perception; Sensory stimuli; Studies; Traffic flow
• ISSN: 0896-6273; 1097-4199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.10.029

The relationship between the brain and the environment is flexible, forming the foundation for our ability to learn. Here we review the current state of our understanding of the modifications in the sensorimotor pathway related to sensorimotor learning. We divide the process into three hierarchical levels with distinct goals: (1) sensory perceptual learning, (2) sensorimotor associative learning, and (3) motor skill learning. Perceptual learning optimizes the representations of important sensory stimuli. Associative learning and the initial phase of motor skill learning are ensured by feedback-based mechanisms that permit trial-and-error learning. The later phase of motor skill learning may primarily involve feedback-independent mechanisms operating under the classic Hebbian rule. With these changes under distinct constraints and mechanisms, sensorimotor learning establishes dedicated circuitry for the reproduction of stereotyped neural activity patterns and behavior. Makino et al. review the current understanding of neural mechanisms underlying sensorimotor learning, focusing on three hierarchical levels of simultaneously occurring neural changes and highlighting the distinct goals, constraints, and their solutions at each level.