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SUMMARY:Computationally efficient simulation of signaling pathways underly
 ing synaptic plasticity - Avrama Blackwell (George Mason University)
DTSTART:20160621T104500Z
DTEND:20160621T113000Z
UID:TALK66532@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:INI IT
DESCRIPTION:<span> <span>Co-authors: Jedrzejewski-Szmek\, Zbigniew (George
  Mason  University)\, Jedrzejewska-Szmek\, Joanna (George Mason University
 ) <br></span></span><span><br>Long-lasting forms of long term potentiation
  (LTP) represent one of the major  cellular mechanisms underlying learning
  and memory. The degree to which  neuromodulatory systems\, e.g. beta-adre
 nergic receptors or dopamine receptors\,  modify LTP and memory is still u
 nclear. Computational modeling of the signaling  pathways activated by neu
 romodulatory and cortical inputs is one approach for  investigating these 
 issues. Cortical inputs are spatially specific\, often  synapse onto spine
 s and produce changes in small numbers of molecules. In  contrast\, neurom
 odulatory inputs tend to to be spatially dispersed. The  interaction betwe
 en these two inputs can lead to changes lasting minutes to  hours. Because
  of the heavy computational cost of performing simulations at  these diver
 se spatial and temporal scales\, we have developed an asynchronous\,  adap
 tive tau-leaping algorithm for reaction-diffusion systems. For every  reac
 tion and diffusion channel at each step of the simulation the more efficie
 n  t of an exact stochastic event or a tau-leap is implemented from the pr
 iority  queue. This new approach removes the inherent tradeoff between spe
 ed and  accuracy in stiff systems which was present in all tau-leaping met
 hods by  allowing each reaction channel to proceed at its own pace. We use
  our  computational efficient tau leaping algorithm to investigate how act
 ivation of  neuromodulatory systems interacts with cortical inputs to modi
 fy the development  of synaptic plasticity. <br> <br>Related Links <ul> <l
 i><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://github.com/neurord/stochdiff</
 a>  - Repository for reaction-diffusion software&nbsp\;</li></ul></span>
LOCATION:Seminar Room 1\, Newton Institute
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