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The Topographical Mapping in Drosophila Central Complex Network and Its Signal Routing.

The Topographical Mapping in Drosophila Central Complex Network and Its Signal Routing.

Authors :
Chang PY
Su TS
Shih CT
Lo CC
Source :
Frontiers in neuroinformatics [Front Neuroinform] 2017 Apr 10; Vol. 11, pp. 26. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Apr 10 (Print Publication: 2017).
Publication Year :
2017

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.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1662-5196
Volume :
11
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Frontiers in neuroinformatics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
28443014
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fninf.2017.00026