The goal of this research is to develop and test a general class of models for the generation of neuronal dendritic shapes; these models are biologically constrained and based on diffusion- controlled growth. It is evident that dendritic arbors gave self -similar structures over a range of scales, consistent with the concept that shape is controlled by the diffusion of chemical species. These concentration fields result from the interaction of dynamic influx, extrusion and sequestration of the growth- regulating factors. In particular, it is hypothesized that calcium is such a factor, and that the local calcium ion concentration beneath the cell membrane is the specific immediate determinant of neuronal growth. The investigators will develop biologically constrained physical models for the growth of curved membrane surfaces in the presence of these diffusive fields, and will use computational methods to explore the evolution of these models under different biologically-plausible conditions. Most importantly, they will test these models by comparing the computed morphogenesis with the development of real neurons under similar imposed conditions. This research may yield an understanding of the mechanisms controlling the development of neuronal form, which influences the electrical properties and synaptic interconnections of neurons that are essential to normal brain function.***//
