C02 Akihiro Funamizu

C02　Understand the hierarchical structure of theory, behavior, activity, gene of Bayesian brain.

In understanding the differences between the brain and artificial intelligence, we cannot ignore the function of genes (Zador, Nat Commu, 2019). The neural circuits in the brain are largely pre-constructed by genes, whereas artificial intelligence primarily constructs circuits through learning from scratch. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the neural circuit of decision-making and the gene expression of neurons. We investigate the relationship between the Bayesian computation in the cerebral cortex and the genes.

Dr. Funamizu has previously verified Bayesian computation in the cerebral cortex using mice. This study continues a theory-driven behavioral task, neural activity imaging with two-photon microscopy, and behavior modeling. Furthermore, Dr. Kishi helps measuring the gene expressions of neurons. We hope that this study bridges the gap among theory, behavior, neural activity, and genes in decision making. In future, this study contributes to investigate the relationship between genes associated with mental disorders and decision making.