Intracellular mechanisms in neuronal learning: adaptive models

Abstract

The cytoskeletal intraneuronal structure and some candidate mechanisms for signaling within nerve cells are described. Models were developing for the interaction of the cytoskeleton with cell membranes, synapses, and an internal signaling model that renders back-error propagation biologically plausible. Orientation-selective units observed in the primate motor cortex may be organized by such internal signaling mechanisms. The impact on sensorimotor systems and learning is discussed. It is concluded that the cytoskeleton's anatomical presence suggested that it plays a potentially key role in neuronal learning. The cytoskeleton could participate in synaptic processes by supporting the synapse and possibly by sending intracellular signals as well. Paradigms for adaptational mechanisms and information processing can be modeled utilizing the cytoskeleton and cytoskeletal signals.<>