Neural dynamics of integration of sensory input and prior knowledge in the brain

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K23317
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 1001:Information science, computer engineering, and related fields
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Ishizu Kotaro 東京大学, 定量生命科学研究所, 助教 (80880137)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-09-11 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 知覚意思決定 / マウス / 細胞外電気生理計測

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the sound-frequency discrimination task, it was suggested that the reward expected before the cue presentation (prior value) was combined with the presented sound (cue) information and sequentially updated to a belief value. The prior value itself was encoded throughout the dorsal cortex, including sensory and frontal cortices, but the updating of the prior value was represented in the medial prefrontal cortex. The sensory information used for updating was also found to be represented orthogonally to the prior value in the auditory cortex. Furthermore, alternatives generated based on beliefs were represented in the secondary motor cortex. Thus, we showed that sensory input, value, and choice are encoded locally in the dorsolateral cortex, enabling decision-making behavior that combines prior knowledge and sensory input.

Free Research Field

神経科学、情報学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

意思決定を行う際の脳内でのプロセスを明らかにすることで、決定に至るまでのアルゴリズムがより明瞭化され、知識化される。他者の決定に対する理解度を深めることは、決定作業にかかわる精神疾患の理解につながり、診断やモデル研究を通しての治療法の開発等の臨床的応用につながることが期待される。また、脳型の決定作業を行えるAI開発などの工学的な展望も考えられる。