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Recurrent Processing Drives Perceptual Plasticity.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Jia, Ke 
Zamboni, Elisa 
Kemper, Valentin 
Rua, Catarina 
Goncalves, Nuno Reis 

Abstract

Learning and experience are critical for translating ambiguous sensory information from our environments to perceptual decisions. Yet evidence on how training molds the adult human brain remains controversial, as fMRI at standard resolution does not allow us to discern the finer scale mechanisms that underlie sensory plasticity. Here, we combine ultra-high-field (7T) functional imaging at sub-millimeter resolution with orientation discrimination training to interrogate experience-dependent plasticity across cortical depths that are known to support dissociable brain computations. We demonstrate that learning alters orientation-specific representations in superficial rather than middle or deeper V1 layers, consistent with recurrent plasticity mechanisms via horizontal connections. Further, learning increases feedforward rather than feedback layer-to-layer connectivity in occipito-parietal regions, suggesting that sensory plasticity gates perceptual decisions. Our findings reveal finer scale plasticity mechanisms that re-weight sensory signals to inform improved decisions, bridging the gap between micro- and macro-circuits of experience-dependent plasticity.

Description

Keywords

experience-dependent plasticity, layer-to-layer functional connectivity, learning, perceptual decisions, ultra-high-field brain imaging, visual cortex, Adult, Female, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Neuronal Plasticity, Orientation, Spatial, Photic Stimulation, Spatial Learning, Visual Cortex, Visual Perception, Young Adult

Journal Title

Curr Biol

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0960-9822
1879-0445

Volume Title

30

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (205067/Z/16/Z)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BB/P021255/1)
Wellcome Trust (Unknown)
Wellcome Trust (098436/Z/12/B)
Medical Research Council (MR/M008983/1)
European Commission Horizon 2020 (H2020) Marie Sk?odowska-Curie actions (840271)
Medical Research Council (MR/N008537/1)
Isaac Newton Trust (15.40(d))
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