Computational modeling of the neuromuscular junction: The study of structure/function of neuron and skeletal muscle cell to investigate aging

Computational Modeling (CM) plays a crucial role in studying neuromuscular disease by aiding in the study of the effects of diseases and predicting the effectiveness of new treatments, with simulations and informed decision making through cross validation. The Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ) is a specialized synapse where motor neurons communicate with skeletal muscle fibers, enabling muscle contraction. The goal of this study is to develop a computational model of the NMJ using simulations to study the complex processes of nerve-muscle communication. This study utilizes MATLAB programming By integrating the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) model for neuronal cells and an adapted Luo-Rudy (LR) cardiac. Together, the goal is to develop the NMJ model (motor neuron) to investigate the underlying dynamics of ions and ion channels in normal and diseased states. By applying principles of biophysics, such as ion concentration, membrane capacitance, and electrophysiological signaling, this research aims to quantify the effects of key physiological parameters. On-going work includes developing a model of an Action Potential propagation along a neuron fiber using the cable equation. As a next step the goal is to develop a motor neuron model using a neuronal fiber model and a modified HH model for the skeletal muscle.