Modularity, Hierarchical Flows and Symmetry of the Drosophila Connectome

TL;DR

This paper explores the modular and hierarchical organization of the Drosophila connectome, revealing symmetrical modules and directional information flow patterns that enhance understanding of neural network structure.

Contribution

It uncovers the modular, hierarchical, and symmetrical features of the Drosophila connectome using network analysis methods like Infomap.

Findings

Identification of modules with rapid intra-group information flow

Modules exhibit left-right symmetry in spatial distribution

Hierarchical structure demonstrates directional information flow

Abstract

This report investigates the modular organisation of the Central region in the Drosophila connectome. We identify groups of neurones amongst which information circulates rapidly before spreading to the rest of the network using Infomap. We find that information flows along pathways linking distant neurones, forming modules that span across the brain. Remarkably, these modules, derived solely from neuronal connectivity patterns, exhibit a striking left-right symmetry in their spatial distribution as well as in their connections. We also identify a hierarchical structure at the coarse-grained scale of these modules, demonstrating the directional nature of information flow in the system.