geometry and topology of brain networks
To understand the functions of the brain, we first require comprehensive knowledge of its structure, i.e. its structural connectome: the network of physical connections among neurons or brain regions. The organisation of this complex network arises from a number of developmental processes during formation and maturation, some deterministic (such as the influence of axon guidance molecules), and some random (such as synaptic connections formed based on proximity). Given the combination of these factors, and the multiple functional levels of organisation in the brain, we may expect that the properties of and principles underlying wiring will differ at various scales.
The structural connectome is, of course, embedded in three-dimensional space, meaning that the structural connectome must adhere to a number of mechanical and physical constraints. Thus, the interplay of its topological and geometrical properties more fully describes its network organisation and characteristics. Thanks to extraordinary advances in technological and theoretical techniques, we are beginning to see the detailed knowledge of neuronal wiring diagrams necessary to investigate this interplay.
publications
The Rich Club of the C. elegans Neuronal Connectome
Emma K. Towlson, Petra E. Vértes, Sebastian E. Ahnert, William R. Schafer, and Edward T. Bullmore.The Journal of Neuroscience, 2013, 33(15): 6380-6387.
artwork
Mouse brain network featured in WonderNet - (Virtual) Physicality of Networks. Image created by Mauro Martino, underlying network created by Jose Brum and Emma Towlson from data from Oh et al, 2015.
conference contributions
Relationship between topology and geometry in the 3d mouse brain connectivity network
Poster at NetSci, Paris (2018)Spatial Characteristics of Mesoscopic Connections in the Mouse Brain Network
Talk at NetSci, Seoul (2016)Connectivity in the Mouse Brain
Talk at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School (2015)How ‘rich’ is your brain?
Talk at 10th anniversary of women@CL. The Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge (2014)The Globally Integrative Rich Club of the C. elegans Neuronal Connectome
Talk at 25th IUPAP International Conference on Statistical Physics, Seoul (2013)Poster at NetSci, Copenhagen (2013)
Centrality Clubs and Concepts of the Core: Decoding the Communicative Organisation of the Brain
Talk at BMU, University of Cambridge (2012)Talk at ECCS, Brussels (2012)
Poster at CNDay, Sainsbury Laboratory (2012)
Poster at NetSci, Northwestern University (2012)