In the first two funding periods, we developed a model for the dynamics of the scaffolding protein actin and the geometric shape of the synaptic membrane. We demonstrated how actin causes geometric fluctuations and that actin perturbation, e.g., due to strong stimulation, can persist for hours and contribute to changes in synaptic weight. Now, we want to examine the dynamics of synaptic weight and geometry on the timescale of days. We are pursuing the hypothesis that the mechanical interaction of the synapse with its environment —that is, adjacent cells and the extracellular matrix — significantly influences these long-term dynamics. Therefore, we plan to integrate these surrounding elements into our model and optimize the simulation so that we can track synaptic development over days and extract mathematical regularities.
