Visible to the public Biologically plausible learning in neural networks with modulatory feedback

TitleBiologically plausible learning in neural networks with modulatory feedback
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsW. S. Grant, J. Tanner, L. Itti
JournalNeural Networks
Volume88
Pagination32-48
Date PublishedJan
Type of Articlemod
Keywords1544814
Abstract

Although Hebbian learning has long been a key component in understanding neural plasticity, it has not yet been successful in modeling modulatory feedback connections, which make up a significant portion of connections in the brain. We develop a new learning rule designed around the complications of learning modulatory feedback and composed of three simple concepts grounded in physiologically plausible evidence. Using border ownership as a prototypical example, we show that a Hebbian learning rule fails to properly learn modulatory connections, while our proposed rule correctly learns a stimulus-driven model. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time a border ownership network has been learned. Additionally, we show that the rule can be used as a drop-in replacement for a Hebbian learning rule to learn a biologically consistent model of orientation selectivity, a network which lacks any modulatory connections. Our results predict that the mechanisms we use are integral for learning modulatory connections in the brain and furthermore that modulatory connections have a strong dependence on inhibition.

Citation KeyGrant_etal17nn