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Related Concept Videos

Action Potential01:14

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation01:19

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
Neurons: The Axon01:21

Neurons: The Axon

Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.
Propagation of Action Potentials01:23

Propagation of Action Potentials

The propagation of an action potential refers to the process by which a nerve impulse, or "action potential," travels along a neuron.
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...
Neuronal Communication01:28

Neuronal Communication

Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...

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From Atoms to Neuronal Spikes: A Multi-Scale Simulation Framework.

Ana Damjanovic1,2,3, Vincenzo Carnevale4,5, Thorsten Hater6

  • 1Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.

Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|November 24, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a multi-scale simulation approach linking molecular dynamics and neuronal simulations. It reveals how ion channel variations impact neuronal excitability, aiding neurological disease research and drug design.

Keywords:
AMPARMolecular DynamicsMonte Carlo SimulationsMulti-scale SimulationsNeuronal SimulationsSodium and Potassium Channels

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Computational Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Understanding ion channel function is crucial for elucidating neurological diseases and designing neuroactive drugs.
  • Molecular events influencing neuronal excitability are complex and require advanced simulation techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a multi-scale simulation framework coupling molecular and neuronal simulations.
  • To predict how molecular changes in ion channels affect membrane potential and neural spike activity.
  • To investigate the impact of disease-associated variants and lipid membrane composition on neuronal excitability.

Main Methods:

  • Coupling molecular dynamics simulations of ion channels (e.g., AMPAR, voltage-gated K+/Na+) with neuronal network simulations (Arbor framework).
  • Utilizing coarse-grained Monte Carlo methods for ion channel gating simulations.
  • Incorporating lipid membrane composition and temperature as simulation parameters.
  • Bidirectional feedback loop between ion channel state and membrane potential.

Main Results:

  • Disease-associated AMPAR variants significantly alter neuronal excitability.
  • Voltage-gated ion channel simulations coupled with neuronal models accurately predict membrane potential dynamics.
  • Lipid membrane composition and temperature demonstrably impact neuronal excitability.
  • Simulated membrane potentials align with experimental electrophysiological recordings.

Conclusions:

  • The developed multi-scale framework effectively links atomistic perturbations to neuronal excitability.
  • This approach provides a powerful tool for studying neurological diseases and guiding neuroactive drug discovery.
  • The study highlights the significant, yet often overlooked, influence of lipid environment and temperature on neuronal function.