Simulator for models of neurite outgrowth. The principle model is a biophysical model of neurite outgrowth described in Graham and van Ooyen (2004). In the model, branching depends on the concentration of a branch-determining substance in each terminal segment. The substance is produced in the cell body and is transported by active transport and diffusion to the terminals. The model reveals that transport-limited effects may give rise to the same modulation of branching as indicated by the stochastic BESTL model. Different limitations arise if transport is dominated by active transport or by diffusion.
Model Concept(s): Development
Simulation Environment: Java
Implementer(s): Graham, Bruce [B.Graham at cs.stir.ac.uk]
References:
Graham BP, van Ooyen A. (2004). Transport limited effects in a model of dendritic branching. Journal of theoretical biology. 230 [PubMed]
Graham BP, van Ooyen A. (2006). Mathematical modelling and numerical simulation of the morphological development of neurons. BMC neuroscience. 7 Suppl 1 [PubMed]