The connectome of an insect brain

Brains contain networks of interconnected neurons and so knowing the network architecture is essential for understanding brain function. We therefore mapped the synaptic-resolution connectome of an entire insect brain ( Drosophila larva) with rich behavior, including learning, value computation, and action selection, comprising 3016 neurons and 548,000 synapses. We characterized neuron types, hubs, feedforward and feedback pathways, as well as cross-hemisphere and brain-nerve cord interactions. We found pervasive multisensory and interhemispheric integration, highly recurrent architecture, abundant feedback from descending neurons, and multiple novel circuit motifs. The brain’s most recurrent circuits…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: CAREER, DGE1746891, 1942963
• HH
  Howard Hughes Medical Institute

  Award: 205038/Z/16/Z
• WT
  Wellcome Trust

  Award: 205038/Z/16/Z
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: DGE1746891, R01 NS054814
• DA
  Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

  Awards: FA8750-18-2-0035, FA8750, FA8750-17-2-0112, FA8750-20-2-1001
• MR
  Medical Research Council