Raising the Connectome: The Emergence of Neuronal Activity and Behavior in C. elegans

The differentiation of neurons and formation of connections between cells is the basis of both the adult phenotype and behaviors tied to cognition, perception, reproduction, and survival. This opinion piece examines early developmental events in the emerging connectome of Caenorhabditis elegans, proposing connectogenesis as a framework for understanding how neuronal networks develop. The authors present a first-mover model of synaptic connectivity based on Stackelberg competition, demonstrating how cells employ various strategies when establishing connections during larval synaptogenesis. By analyzing the timing of terminal differentiation and comparing principles of network connectivity, they establish correspondences between connectome emergence and behavioral outcomes, offering insights applicable to other developmental systems.