Neurogenetic phenotypes of learning-dependent plasticity for improved perceptual decisions.

Abstract

Genetics and experience are known to mold our cognitive development. Yet, the interactions between genetics and brain mechanisms that support learning and flexible behavior in the adult human brain remain largely unknown. Here, we test the link between brain-wide gene expression and macroscopic neuroimaging phenotypes of brain plasticity that support our ability to improve perceptual decisions with training. We demonstrate that gene expression links to learning-dependent changes in spatial variations of cortical microstructure and functional connectivity in visual and fronto-parietal networks that are known to be involved in perceptual decisions. Further, we show that brain stimulation in visual cortex during training boosts learning and alters functional connections, rather than microstructure organization, within and between these networks. Our results reveal neurogenetic phenotypes of plasticity in perceptual decision networks, providing insights into the interplay of genetic expression and macroscopic mechanisms of structural and functional plasticity for learning and flexible behavior.