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Random synaptic feedback weights support error backpropagation for deep learning

Author

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  • Timothy P. Lillicrap

    (University of Oxford
    Google DeepMind, 5 New Street Square)

  • Daniel Cownden

    (School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Harold Mitchel Building, St Andrews)

  • Douglas B. Tweed

    (University of Toronto
    Centre for Vision Research, York University)

  • Colin J. Akerman

    (University of Oxford)

Abstract

The brain processes information through multiple layers of neurons. This deep architecture is representationally powerful, but complicates learning because it is difficult to identify the responsible neurons when a mistake is made. In machine learning, the backpropagation algorithm assigns blame by multiplying error signals with all the synaptic weights on each neuron’s axon and further downstream. However, this involves a precise, symmetric backward connectivity pattern, which is thought to be impossible in the brain. Here we demonstrate that this strong architectural constraint is not required for effective error propagation. We present a surprisingly simple mechanism that assigns blame by multiplying errors by even random synaptic weights. This mechanism can transmit teaching signals across multiple layers of neurons and performs as effectively as backpropagation on a variety of tasks. Our results help reopen questions about how the brain could use error signals and dispel long-held assumptions about algorithmic constraints on learning.

Suggested Citation

  • Timothy P. Lillicrap & Daniel Cownden & Douglas B. Tweed & Colin J. Akerman, 2016. "Random synaptic feedback weights support error backpropagation for deep learning," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms13276
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13276
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    Cited by:

    1. Giorgia Dellaferrera & Stanisław Woźniak & Giacomo Indiveri & Angeliki Pantazi & Evangelos Eleftheriou, 2022. "Introducing principles of synaptic integration in the optimization of deep neural networks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Alpha Renner & Forrest Sheldon & Anatoly Zlotnik & Louis Tao & Andrew Sornborger, 2024. "The backpropagation algorithm implemented on spiking neuromorphic hardware," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Stefano Recanatesi & Gabriel Koch Ocker & Michael A Buice & Eric Shea-Brown, 2019. "Dimensionality in recurrent spiking networks: Global trends in activity and local origins in connectivity," PLOS Computational Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(7), pages 1-29, July.
    4. Ertam, Fatih, 2019. "An efficient hybrid deep learning approach for internet security," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 535(C).
    5. Robert Rosenbaum, 2022. "On the relationship between predictive coding and backpropagation," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(3), pages 1-27, March.
    6. Michele N. Insanally & Badr F. Albanna & Jade Toth & Brian DePasquale & Saba Shokat Fadaei & Trisha Gupta & Olivia Lombardi & Kishore Kuchibhotla & Kanaka Rajan & Robert C. Froemke, 2024. "Contributions of cortical neuron firing patterns, synaptic connectivity, and plasticity to task performance," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-21, December.
    7. Navid Shervani-Tabar & Robert Rosenbaum, 2023. "Meta-learning biologically plausible plasticity rules with random feedback pathways," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    8. Mitsumasa Nakajima & Katsuma Inoue & Kenji Tanaka & Yasuo Kuniyoshi & Toshikazu Hashimoto & Kohei Nakajima, 2022. "Physical deep learning with biologically inspired training method: gradient-free approach for physical hardware," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-12, December.
    9. Keitaro Obara & Teppei Ebina & Shin-Ichiro Terada & Takanori Uka & Misako Komatsu & Masafumi Takaji & Akiya Watakabe & Kenta Kobayashi & Yoshito Masamizu & Hiroaki Mizukami & Tetsuo Yamamori & Kiyoto , 2023. "Change detection in the primate auditory cortex through feedback of prediction error signals," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-17, December.
    10. Alexander Ororbia & Daniel Kifer, 2022. "The neural coding framework for learning generative models," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, December.

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