The provided code models the dynamics of the SK (small conductance calcium-activated potassium) channel based on a computational model originally developed for Deep Cerebellar Nucleus (DCN) neurons. These channels are integral in biological systems for modulating neuronal excitability and are activated by increases in intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) concentration.
Role in Neurons: SK channels contribute to the afterhyperpolarization phase following an action potential, which affects neuronal firing frequency and pattern. This is important for regulating repetitive firing and shaping neuronal output.
Calcium Dependency: The activation of SK channels depends on the intracellular concentration of calcium ions. The current model uses an EC50 value (350 nM) that reflects the concentration at which the channel activation is at half its maximum, highlighting its calcium sensitivity.
Gating Variables: The model employs a Zpower value of 1, indicating a direct relationship between calcium concentration and channel opening probability without intermediate states.
Hill Equation: The hillslope_SK value of 4.6 is derived from experimental studies (Hirschberg et al., 1999) and indicates a steep calcium activation curve, suggesting cooperative binding at the channel.
Time Constants:
taumin_SK and taumax_SK represent the time constants for activation and deactivation, reflecting the kinetic rates of transitions between open and closed states.Taumax illustrates the slower deactivation in the absence of calcium, while taumin represents rapid activation in the presence of saturating calcium.Temperature Factor (dq10_SK): It accounts for the temperature dependence of the kinetic rates, using a Q10 value reflecting the rate of change with a 10°C temperature increase. The model assumes room temperature conditions.
Calcium Saturation (CaSat_SK): This represents the calcium concentration at which the activation time constant (tau-act) reaches its maximum rate, affecting how the channel responds dynamically to fluctuating calcium levels.
The model employs high-resolution tabulation of channel states across a range of calcium concentrations, from 10 nM to 60 μM, with a resolution of 1 nM, acknowledging the sharp responsiveness of SK channels in physiological calcium ranges.
This code models the functional properties of SK channels, reflecting their biological role in neuronal signaling by capturing critical calcium-dependent activation dynamics and kinetic behavior. It incorporates empirical data from published research, ensuring the modeled channels conform to known biophysical characteristics. These properties make SK channels vital components in robustly controlling neuronal excitability and contribute to complex behaviors like synaptic integration and plasticity in neural systems.