Anatomically Detailed and Large-Scale Simulations Studying Synapse Loss and Synchrony Using NeuroBox

Area of Science:

• Computational Neuroscience
• Biophysics
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Neuronal morphology and network connectivity are crucial for signal processing.
• Databases like NeuroMorpho.org provide abundant neuronal reconstructions.
• Investigating these factors requires advanced simulation tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce NeuroBox, a toolbox for numerical simulations on neuronal morphology.
• To investigate the electrical and biochemical effects of synapse loss versus synchrony.
• To demonstrate the integration of detailed neuronal morphology in large-scale network simulations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the NeuroBox toolbox for hybrid-dimensional morphology simulations.
• Employed Hodgkin-Huxley-type equations coupled with biochemical models.
• Developed new synapse distribution methods and Finite Volume solvers for compartment models.

Main Results:

• Synaptic synchronization can compensate for synapse loss at electrical and calcium levels.
• Detailed neuronal morphology can be effectively integrated into large-scale network simulations.
• High-performance computing infrastructure was utilized for extensive network simulations.

Conclusions:

• NeuroBox facilitates detailed biophysical simulations on complex neuronal morphology.
• Synaptic synchrony is a key factor in neuronal function, potentially mitigating synapse loss.
• The study demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale network simulations with detailed morphology.