Remembering events depends on your brain's ability to constantly change

AJAS · 2022 Computer Science

Kavya Gupta

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Overview

Dendritic spines are small, membranous protrusions from a neuron’s dendrite which are the hub for receiving signal inputs from axons at areas called synapses. The synaptic plasticity, or strength, of a synapse, depends on its ability to perform synaptic signaling through second messenger Calcium ions. Ionotropic membrane receptors, such as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), located on the postsynaptic cell play a key role in Long Term Potentiation and Depression affecting the memory retention of cells. To consider the effect of NMDAR on calcium dynamics, varying parameters, blocked Magnesium ion concentrations in NMDARs, membrane voltage, and extracellular calcium concentrations were used to model calcium dynamics mathematically. Ordinary differential equations were used to solve the system of equations which looked at a calcium influx with a timescale of 20 milliseconds. Using this model, we were able to focus on how important these specific parameters were in regulating the rate of flow of calcium ions into the postsynaptic cell. The results indicated that with increases in the concentrations of Magnesium and extracellular-calcium ions, and probabilities of opening receptors, there was an overall increase in the rate of flow of calcium ions into the cell. To implement the results on a 3D model, realistic geometries of dendritic spines were created through the smoothing of meshes. Then, the ODE model of calcium influx through NMDAR can be converted to a full spatial, PDE model in these realistic 3D geometries to allow for a visual representation of the diffusion of calcium ions in dendritic spines.

From the student

In 9th grade, I sat with my lab partner, part of the University of California San Diego, Life Sciences Futures program in which we had the opportunity to lead a project focusing on the effects of a water contaminant on various model organisms. This was the first exposure I had to a science project outside of school, so I was constantly looking for ways to expand my interests throughout the lab.

My lab partner, a year older than me, described her fascinating experience at the various conferences in which she was able to network with other high school students of her age. Briefly, she also recommended I investigate the Research Training Program (RTP) that was offered by the Southern California Academy of Sciences (SCAS). As I researched it online myself, I realized it was a program offered mainly in the Los Angeles area, two hours away from where I lived.

I knew I needed a chance to participate in this program as I read up on the fascinating stories of previous SCAS RTP students that went to the AJAS conference. I wanted to have the experience of learning the basics of working with a mentor on a research project. Eagerly, I contacted the leaders of the program, and to my surprise, I was not the first person from San Diego that wanted to apply to SCAS RTP! I quickly got into contact with a past RTP member from San Diego, and she described her AJAS experience, and how she was able to come out of her comfort zone through the program and the various conferences.

Looking back, I can relate to her as I have become a more curious and outgoing student researcher through the valuable guidance, I received from RTP over the past two years. However, my success due to RTP was not just through the amazing mentors at SCAS, it was also my mentors who guided me for my project. Through RTP, I had the motivation to continue a longer-term project, which my mentors were willing to assist me on, as well as bring me on for a broader project.

At the end of the first, 2020-2021 RTP program, I presented my paper on the model of the dendritic spine synapse at the Southern California Academy of Sciences Annual Conference in which I received lots of positive criticism. Although the event was virtual, we were able to discuss our projects with other students, board members, and judges. This experience was one of my first places of networking with a larger group of people and it taught me how communicating in science is important to receive feedback on your soft skills, as well as have a crucial outsider’s perspective on a project.

From the SCAS Conference, I was excited to found out that I had been accepted as a 2022 AJAS Delegate, and over the summer and the past year, I have been continuing the project from the feedback I received at the SCAS conference, and I am excited to meet the other AJAS Delegates and fellows!

From the student

I have attached my research paper that was written on this project, and submitted for the Southern California Academy of Sciences Conference. Please contact me at [email protected] if you have any further questions!