Comparative Connectomics.

We introduce comparative connectomics, the quantitative study of cross-species commonalities and variations in brain network topology that aims to discover general principles of network architecture of nervous systems and the identification of species-specific features of brain connectivity. By comparing connectomes derived from simple to more advanced species, we identify two conserved themes of wiring: the tendency to organize network topology into communities that serve specialized functionality and the general drive to enable high topological integration by means of investment of neural resources in short communication paths, hubs, and rich clubs. Within the space of wiring possibilities that conform to these common principles, we argue that differences in connectome organization between closely related species support adaptations in cognition and behavior.We thank Lianne Scholtens, Jim Rilling, Tom Schoenemann for discussions and comments. MPvdH was supported by a VENI (# 451-12-001) grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and a Fellowship of MQ.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2016.03.00

Konnektomik von viralen Tract-tracing Verbindungen des Nervensystems der Laborratte

In dieser Dissertation wurden erstmalig virale Tract-Tracing Konnektivitäten von adulten Laborratten in einer Metastudie methodisch zusammengefasst und anschließend mit dem Netzwerkanalyseprogramm "NeuroVIISAS" analysiert. Die Auswertung des Netzwerkes beinhaltet eine globale, lokale und differentielle Konnektomanalyse. Abschließend wird die Dissertation kritisch betrachtet, und es erfolgt ein Ausblick über zukünftige Entwicklungen in der Konnektomforschung