Computational Models of Developing Neural Systems

The work of this thesis has focused on creating computational models of developing neurons. Three different but related areas of research have been studied - how cells make connections, what influences the shape of these connections and how neuronal network behaviour can be influenced by local interactions. In order to understand how cells make connections I simulated the dynamics of the neuronal growth cone - a structure which guides the developing axon to its target cells. Results from the first models showed that small interaction effects between structural proteins in the axon called microtubules can significantly alter the rate of axonal elongation and turning. I also simulated the dynamics of growth cone filopodia. The filopodia act as antennae and explore the extracellular environment surrounding the growth cone. This model showed that a reaction-diffusion system based on Turing morphogenesis patterns could account for the dynamic behaviour of filopodia. To find out what influen..