title: Topological cluster analysis reveals the systemic organization of the Caenorhabditis elegans connectome.
abstract: The modular organization of networks of individual neurons interwoven through synapses has not been fully explored due to the incredible complexity of the connectivity architecture. Here we use the modularity-based community detection method for directed, weighted networks to examine hierarchically organized modules in the complete wiring diagram (connectome) of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and to investigate their topological properties. Incorporating bilateral symmetry of the network as an important cue for proper cluster assignment, we identified anatomical clusters in the C. elegans connectome, including a body-spanning cluster, which correspond to experimentally identified functional circuits. Moreover, the hierarchical organization of the five clusters explains the systemic cooperation (e.g., mechanosensation, chemosensation, and navigation) that occurs among the structurally segregated biological circuits to produce higher-order complex behaviors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Yunkyu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sohn
authors.forename: Myung-Kyu
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Yong-Yeol
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Junho
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jaeseung
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jeong
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000502:physiology*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*