title: Circuit Mechanisms of Sensorimotor Learning.
abstract: The relationship between the brain and the environment is flexible, forming the foundation for our ability to learn. Here we review the current state of our understanding of the modifications in the sensorimotor pathway related to sensorimotor learning. We divide the process into three hierarchical levels with distinct goals: (1) sensory perceptual learning, (2) sensorimotor associative learning, and (3) motor skill learning. Perceptual learning optimizes the representations of important sensory stimuli. Associative learning and the initial phase of motor skill learning are ensured by feedback-based mechanisms that permit trial-and-error learning. The later phase of motor skill learning may primarily involve feedback-independent mechanisms operating under the classic Hebbian rule. With these changes under distinct constraints and mechanisms, sensorimotor learning establishes dedicated circuitry for the reproduction of stereotyped neural activity patterns and behavior.
authors.affiliation: Neurobiology Section, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Makino
authors.affiliation: Neurobiology Section, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
authors.forename: Eun Jung
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.affiliation: Neurobiology Section, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
authors.forename: Nathan G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Hedrick
authors.affiliation: Neurobiology Section, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA. Electronic address: tkomiyama@ucsd.edu.
authors.forename: Takaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Komiyama
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001245:Association Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*