Cedars-Sinai researchers have created the most biorealistic and complex computer simulations of individual brain cells, in unprecedented numbers.

Their study, published today in a peer-reviewed journal Cell reportsdetails how these models will one day be able to answer questions about neurological disorders and even human intelligence that cannot be explored with biological experiments. [1]

Figure 1. Realistic computer models of brain cells

Figure 1 shows the models are the first to combine data sets from different types of laboratory experiments to present a complete picture of the electrical, genetic and biological activity of single neurons. The models can be used to test theories that would require dozens of experiments to examine in the lab, Anastassiou said.

"Imagine that you wanted to investigate how 50 different genes affect a cell's biological processes,"Anastassiou said. "You would need to create a separate experiment to 'knock out' each gene and see what happens. With our computational models, we will be able to change the recipes of these gene markers for as many genes as we like and predict what will happen." [2]

Another advantage of the cellular models is that they allow researchers to completely control experimental conditions.The first data set presented complete genetic pictures of tens of thousands of single cells. The second linked the electrical responses and physical characteristics of 230 cells from the same brain region. The investigators used machine learning to integrate these two datasets and create bio-realistic models of 9,200 single neurons and their electrical activity. [3]

Tens of thousands of single cells’ complete genomic profiles were revealed in the first data collection. The second connected 230 cells from the same brain region’s electrical responses and physical features. The researchers combined these two datasets, using machine learning to produce bio-realistic models of 9,200 single neurons and their electrical activity.

Black was also the Ruth and Lawrence Harvey Chair in Neuroscience at Cedars-Sinai.The Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle, which also contributed data, worked on the project alongside us. [4]

References:

1. https://journalbreak.com/researchers-create-most-realistic-computer-models-of-brain-cells/
2. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220809141159.htm
3. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/cedars-sinai-creates-computer-models-of-brain-cells/
4. https://www.azolifesciences.com/news/20220811/Cedars-Sinai-builds-bio-realistic-and-intricate-computer-models-of-brain-cells.aspx

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Realistic computer models of brain cells, Anatechmaz, pp.187