# The multilayer connectome of Caenorhabditis elegans

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1608.08793 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1608.08793/

## Key facts

- Cited by 5 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 31 Aug 2016.

## Built on by (most cited first, 5 of 5)

- [Agnosticism About Artificial Consciousness](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.13145/) (2024)
- [Propagation on Multi-relational Graphs for Node Regression](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2110.08185/) (2021)
- [Expressive probabilistic sampling in recurrent neural networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.11809/) (2023)
- [Learning the Right Layers: a Data-Driven Layer-Aggregation Strategy for Semi-Supervised Learning on Multilayer Graphs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2306.00152/) (2023)
- [Learning dynamic representations of the functional connectome in neurobiological networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.14102/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Connectomics has focused primarily on the mapping of synaptic links in the brain; yet it is well established that extrasynaptic volume transmission, especially via monoamines and neuropeptides, is also critical to brain function. Here we present a draft monoamine connectome, along with a partial neuropeptide connectome, for the nematode C. elegans, based on new and published expression data for biosynthetic genes and receptors. Thus, the neuronal connectome can be represented as a multiplex network, with synaptic, gap junction, and neuromodulatory layers representing alternative modes of interneuronal interaction and with distinct network structures. In particular, the monoamine network exhibits novel topological properties, with a highly disassortative star-like structure and a rich-club of interconnected broadcasting hubs. Despite the low degree of overlap between layers, we find highly significant modes of interaction, pinpointing network locations and multilink motifs where aminergic and neuropeptide signalling modulate synaptic activity. The multilayer connectome of C. elegans represents a clear exemplar of a biological multiplex network and provides a prototype for understanding how extrasynaptic signalling can be integrated into the wired circuitry in larger brains.