Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R89769/01
Title:	Compartmental modelling of developing neurons
Principal Investigator:	Graham, Professor BP
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:	Professor A van Ooyen
Project Partners:	Netherlands Institute for Brain Research
Department:	Computing Science and Mathematics
Organisation:	University of Stirling
Scheme:	Fast Stream
Starts:	01 September 2002	Ends:	31 August 2005	Value (£):	64,811
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Biomedical neuroscience
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
A major tool in the study of biological nervous systems is computer simulation of neuronal function using the compartmental modelling framework. Neurons and the networks they form are the outcome of a developmental process. The aim of this proposal is to extend the compartmental modelling framework to enable the modelling of developing neurons that are undergoing changes in shape and membrane characteristics over time. Novel numerical techniques are required to handle the accurate simulation of dynamic intracellular and extracellular environments. Simulations must handle multiple time scales, ranging from the submillisecond for electrical activity to hours for morphological change. The techniques will be incorporated into user-friendly simulation software. The resultant computational tools will allow the investigation of many aspects of nervous system development. They will be applied here in a study of the growth of a neuron's dendritic tree. The dendritic tree is the major site of input to the neuron and its morphology plays a determining role in the signal integration and processing capabilities of the neuron. The aim is to produce models that elucidate the biophysical mechanisms underlying the formation of the characteristic tree morphologies of different neuronal types.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.stir.ac.uk