Title: Modeling Synaptic Plasticity

Speaker: Kristofor D. Carlson, Purdue University

Date/Time: Monday, September 20, 2010, 9:00 am Mountain Time        

Location: CSRI Building/Room 90 (Sandia NM)

Brief Abstract: How does the brain compute?  The field of computational neuroscience seeks to answer that question.  In this talk we examine one aspect of this question, namely how the brain learns.  What biophysical processes must occur for the brain to store memories?  Synapses, the connections between neurons, are believed to play a central role in memory formation and maintenance.  Experiments within the past 10-15 years have lead to the discovery of a phenomenon termed spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP), a process in which changes in synaptic strength are determined by the relative timing of pre- and postsynaptic activity.  Although some of the underlying processes involved in STDP are understood, many unanswered questions remain.  To address some of these questions we examine a biophysically realistic computational model that simulates calcium signaling within the postsynaptic neuron as well as a tristable chemical pathway thought to be involved in memory formation and maintenance.  Our model accounts for the major features of STDP and also suggests important avenues for further study.

CSRI POC: Rich Schiek, 505-284-3637