Multiple mechanisms contribute to the generation, propagation, and coordination of the rhythmic patterns necessary for locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegans. Current experiments have focused on two possibilities: pacemaker neurons and stretch-receptor feedback. Here, we focus on whether it is possible that a chain of multiple network rhythmic pattern generators in the ventral nerve cord also contribute to locomotion. We use a simulation model to search for parameters of the anatomically constrained ventral nerve cord circuit that, when embodied and situated, can drive forward locomotion on agar, in the absence of pacemaker neurons or stretch-receptor feedback. Systematic exploration of the space of possible solutions reveals that there are multiple configurations that result in locomotion that is consistent with certain aspects of the kinematics of worm locomotion on agar. Analysis of the best solutions reveals that gap junctions between different classes of motorneurons in the ventral nerve cord can play key roles in coordinating the multiple rhythmic pattern generators.

多种机制有助于运动所需节律模式的产生、传播和协调秀丽隐杆线虫。目前的实验主要集中在两种可能性：起搏神经元和拉伸感受器反馈。在这里，我们关注的是腹侧神经索中的一系列多个网络节律模式发生器是否也有助于运动。我们使用模拟模型来搜索解剖学上受限的腹神经索回路的参数，当该回路被具体化和定位时，可以在没有起搏器神经元或拉伸感受器反馈的情况下驱动琼脂上的向前运动。对可能解决方案空间的系统探索表明，有多种配置导致运动与琼脂上蠕虫运动的运动学的某些方面一致。对最佳解决方案的分析表明，腹神经索中不同类别运动神经元之间的间隙连接在协调多个节律模式发生器中可以发挥关键作用。