Astrocyte Computational Models

Astrocytes are the most common glial cells found in the mammalian brain, this starry shaped cells have been known for their role in biochemical support for neurons and the formation and maintenance of the Blood-Brain-Barrier. However, it is only just recently that scientists have been able to understand the true value of these cells, new and more extensive studies in the brain have revealed that astrocytes, along with many other glial cells that were believed to have simple basic functions in comparison to the neurons, are quickly becoming one of the most crucial and essential parts of neurology.

In this last 20 years it has been found that Astrocytes play a huge role in synaptogenesis, cognition, neuroinflammation, brain homeostasis and neuronal protection, neurotransmitter release, the clearance of toxic substances such as glutamate excess and K+ spatial buffering, and the release of trophic growth factors for neurons and other brain cells. Recontextualizing the nature of the brain and allowing us to understand and treat all sorts of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and many other brain injuries. 

Thanks to its star-shape Architecture, astrocytes have the ability to coordinate with the neighbor cells in the central nervous system, forming all sorts of metabolic interactions with functional and morphological heterogeneity. 

Moreover, they represent at least half of the synaptic contacts that are covered with glial processes in the human brain, and there these cells can exert contact with over 2 million tripartite synapses through their endfeet. 

Therefore, the development of a comprehensive view of the astrocytic mechanisms involved in the brain-behavior requires a systemic approach, that can be assessed utilizing computational modelings.

Experimental data couple with mathematical models and computational tools allow us to create all kinds of models for Astrocytes, these include single-cell astrocytic models, dynamical models (calcium dynamics, synchronization, information, and plasticity), astrocyte network models, neuron-astrocyte interaction networks, complete-scale metabolic reconstructions, among others.

With these models, we are able to test hypothesis and formulate experiments without to worry with the daunting amount of interactions found in the brain.