Noise in neurons and synapses enables reliable associative memory storage in local cortical circuits.

Neural networks in the brain can function reliably despite various sources of errors and noise present at every step of signal transmission. These sources include errors in the presynaptic inputs to the neurons, noise in synaptic transmission, and fluctuations in the neurons’ postsynaptic potentials. Collectively they lead to errors in the neurons’ outputs which are, in turn, injected into the network. Does unreliable network activity hinder fundamental functions of the brain, such as learning and memory retrieval? To explore this question, this article examines the effects of errors and noise on the properties of model networks of inhibitory and excitatory neurons involved in associative sequence learning. The associative learning problem is solved analytically and numerically, and it is also shown how memory sequences can be loaded into the network with a biologically more plausible perceptron-type learning rule. Interestingly, the results reveal that errors and noise during learning increase the probability of memory recall. There is a tradeoff between the capacity and reliability of stored memories, and, noise during learning is required for optimal retrieval of stored information. What is more, networks loaded with associative memories to capacity display many structural and dynamical features observed in local cortical circuits in mammals. Based on the similarities between the associative and cortical networks, this article predicts that connections originating from more unreliable neurons or neuron classes in the cortex are more likely to be depressed or eliminated during learning, while connections onto noisier neurons or neuron classes have lower probabilities and higher weights. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Signal transmission in the brain is accompanied by many sources of errors and noise, and yet, neural networks can reliably store memories. This article argues that noise should not be viewed as a nuisance, but that it is an essential component of the reliable learning mechanism implemented by the brain. The article describes a network model of associative sequence learning, showing that for optimal retrieval of stored information learning must be carried out in the presence of noise. To validate the model, it is shown that associative memories can be loaded into the network with an online perceptron-type learning rule and that networks loaded to capacity develop many structural and dynamical properties observed in the brain.