Predictive learning shapes the representational geometry of the human brain

Abstract Predictive coding theories propose that the brain constantly updates internal models to minimize prediction errors and optimize sensory processing. However, the neural mechanisms that link prediction error encoding and optimization of sensory representations remain unclear. Here, we provide...

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Main Authors: Antonino Greco, Julia Moser, Hubert Preissl, Markus Siegel
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2024-11-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54032-4
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author Antonino Greco
Julia Moser
Hubert Preissl
Markus Siegel
author_facet Antonino Greco
Julia Moser
Hubert Preissl
Markus Siegel
author_sort Antonino Greco
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Predictive coding theories propose that the brain constantly updates internal models to minimize prediction errors and optimize sensory processing. However, the neural mechanisms that link prediction error encoding and optimization of sensory representations remain unclear. Here, we provide evidence how predictive learning shapes the representational geometry of the human brain. We recorded magnetoencephalography (MEG) in humans listening to acoustic sequences with different levels of regularity. We found that the brain aligns its representational geometry to match the statistical structure of the sensory inputs, by clustering temporally contiguous and predictable stimuli. Crucially, the magnitude of this representational shift correlates with the synergistic encoding of prediction errors in a network of high-level and sensory areas. Our findings suggest that, in response to the statistical regularities of the environment, large-scale neural interactions engaged in predictive processing modulate the representational content of sensory areas to enhance sensory processing.
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spelling doaj-art-8bb7868556934a6cb641c33e72aa4c052024-11-10T12:32:26ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232024-11-0115111210.1038/s41467-024-54032-4Predictive learning shapes the representational geometry of the human brainAntonino Greco0Julia Moser1Hubert Preissl2Markus Siegel3Department of Neural Dynamics and Magnetoencephalography, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of TübingenIDM/fMEG Center of the Helmholtz Center Munich, University of TübingenIDM/fMEG Center of the Helmholtz Center Munich, University of TübingenDepartment of Neural Dynamics and Magnetoencephalography, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of TübingenAbstract Predictive coding theories propose that the brain constantly updates internal models to minimize prediction errors and optimize sensory processing. However, the neural mechanisms that link prediction error encoding and optimization of sensory representations remain unclear. Here, we provide evidence how predictive learning shapes the representational geometry of the human brain. We recorded magnetoencephalography (MEG) in humans listening to acoustic sequences with different levels of regularity. We found that the brain aligns its representational geometry to match the statistical structure of the sensory inputs, by clustering temporally contiguous and predictable stimuli. Crucially, the magnitude of this representational shift correlates with the synergistic encoding of prediction errors in a network of high-level and sensory areas. Our findings suggest that, in response to the statistical regularities of the environment, large-scale neural interactions engaged in predictive processing modulate the representational content of sensory areas to enhance sensory processing.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54032-4
spellingShingle Antonino Greco
Julia Moser
Hubert Preissl
Markus Siegel
Predictive learning shapes the representational geometry of the human brain
Nature Communications
title Predictive learning shapes the representational geometry of the human brain
title_full Predictive learning shapes the representational geometry of the human brain
title_fullStr Predictive learning shapes the representational geometry of the human brain
title_full_unstemmed Predictive learning shapes the representational geometry of the human brain
title_short Predictive learning shapes the representational geometry of the human brain
title_sort predictive learning shapes the representational geometry of the human brain
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54032-4
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