Cross-referencing online activity with the connectome to identify a neglected but well-connected neuron

Summary The fundamental importance of neuronal connectivity for neural function has stimulated brain-mapping efforts in several organisms. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans an essentially complete wiring diagram has been available for nearly thirty years. To identify neglected, but well-connected neurons of C. elegans we used online activity and literature searches to rank ‘popularity'. Cross-referencing this list with a topological analysis of the connectome, DVC emerged as the worm's most understudied hub neuron. We found that optogenetic activation of DVC promotes backward locomotion and that this response is dependent on the vesicular glutamate transporter, EAT-4.