Abstract
Neural networks regulate brain functions by routing signals. Therefore, investigating the detailed organization of a neural circuit at the cellular levels is a crucial step toward understanding the neural mechanisms of brain functions. To study how a complicated neural circuit is organized, we analyzed recently published data on the neural circuit of the Drosophila central complex, a brain structure associated with a variety of functions including sensory integration and coordination of locomotion. We discovered that, except for a small number of “atypical” neuron types, the network structure formed by the identified 194 neuron types can be described by only a few simple mathematical rules. Specifically, the topological mapping formed by these neurons can be reconstructed by applying a generation matrix on a small set of initial neurons. By analyzing how information flows propagate with or without the atypical neurons, we found that while the general pattern of signal propagation in the central complex follows the simple topological mapping formed by the “typical” neurons, some atypical neurons can substantially re-route the signal pathways, implying specific roles of these neurons in sensory signal integration. The present study provides insights into the organization principle and signal integration in the central complex.
Highlights
Brain functions originate from interactions between neurons, which are strongly regulated by signal routing in neural networks
We demonstrated a novel approach in neural circuit analysis for the central complex
We showed that the innervation patterns of the protocerebral bridge (PB)-innervating neurons can be largely described by only a few generators with a small set of initial neuron types, except for the atypical ones
Summary
Brain functions originate from interactions between neurons, which are strongly regulated by signal routing in neural networks. Recent studies on Drosophila connectome mapping (Chiang et al, 2011; Lin H.-H. et al, 2013; Takemura et al, 2013; Shih et al, 2015) provided an opportunity for high-resolution neural circuit analysis. Among these studies, the release of the neuron innervation map in the central complex (Lin C.-Y. et al, 2013; Wolff et al, 2015) is of particular interest for its potential role in sensory-motor integration and memory. The central complex communicates with other brain regions through the neighboring neuropils including lateral triangle (LTR), caudalcentral protocerebrum (CCP), caudal ventrolateral protocerebrum (CVLP), ventromedial protocerebrum (VMP), and inferior dorsofrontal protocerebrum (IDFP) ( called ventral body or lateral accessory lobe) (Hanesch et al, 1989; Renn et al, 1999; Young and Armstrong, 2010b)
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