Neural development features: spatio-temporal development of the Caenorhabditis elegans neuronal network.

ABSTRACT: The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, with information on neural connectivity, three-dimensional position and cell linage, provides a unique system for understanding the development of neural networks. Although C. elegans has been widely studied in the past, we present the first statistical study from a developmental perspective, with findings that raise interesting suggestions on the establishment of long-distance connections and network hubs. Here, we analyze the neuro-development for temporal and spatial features, using birth times of neurons and their three-dimensional positions. Comparisons of growth in C. elegans with random spatial network growth highlight two findings relevant to neural network development. First, most neurons which are linked by long-distance connections are born a

SUBMITTER: Varier S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3017107 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature