Deciphering neural circuits for Caenorhabditis elegans behavior by computations and perturbations to genome and connectome

TL;DR

This paper reviews efforts to understand C. elegans behavior by integrating neural circuitry, genomics, and computational models, highlighting successes and challenges in systems biology approaches.

Contribution

It emphasizes the computational perspective in deciphering neural circuits and discusses progress and obstacles in linking genomics and connectomics to behavior.

Findings

Neural connectivity and genomics of C. elegans are well characterized.

Computational models have advanced understanding of worm behavior.

Challenges remain in fully integrating molecular, cellular, and circuit data.

Abstract

{\it Caenorhabditis elegans} nematode worms are the only animals with the known detailed neural connectivity diagram, well characterized genomics, and relatively simple quantifiable behavioral output. With this in mind, many researchers view this animal as the best candidate for a systems biology approach, where one can integrate molecular and cellular knowledge to gain global understanding of worm's behavior. This work reviews some research in this direction, emphasizing computational perspective, and points out some successes and challenges to meet this lofty goal.