A neuro-inspired computational model of life-long learning and catastrophic interference, mimicking hippocampus novelty-based dopamine modulation and lateral inhibitory plasticity.

ABSTRACT: The human brain has a remarkable lifelong learning capability to acquire new experiences while retaining previously acquired information. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this capability, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we propose a neuro-inspired firing-rate computational model involving the hippocampus and surrounding areas, that encompasses two key mechanisms possibly underlying this capability. The first is based on signals encoded by the neuromodulator dopamine, which is released by novel stimuli and enhances plasticity only when needed. The second is based on a homeostatic plasticity mechanism that involves the lateral inhibitory connections of the pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus. These mechanisms tend to protect neurons that have already b

SUBMITTER: Afferni P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9500484 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature