Biological processes resulting in observable cell state changes, such as synaptic plasticity inneuronal dendritic spines and muscular hypertrophy in skeletal muscles, share common characteristics.
Both are influenced by calcium signaling, metabolic networks, mitochondria, and protein kinase
activation. This research presents computational models of these processes, offering insights into
synaptic plasticity and the skeletal muscle response to exercise. The first model is a spatial representation
of mitochondrial ATP generation during calcium signaling in neurons, emphasizing the role of
mitochondrial ER contact sites in increasing calcium levels in the mitochondria, thus enhancing
mitochondrial potential. This model underscores the importance of subcellular geometry, metabolic
consumption rates, and transport processes in ATP production, in addition to enzymatic activity. The
second model is a compartmental model exploring the role of signaling frequency in protein kinase
activation in dendritic spines. This model analyzes the interaction between the canonical neuronal
signaling cascade, the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) cascade, and the insulin signaling
cascade in conditions of high neurotransmitter stimulation rates, which activate calcium signaling and
consume significant cellular energy. The final model, a logic-based representation of skeletal muscle
signaling in response to resistance, endurance, and sprint exercise, investigates potential mechanisms of
exercise-induced changes in mitochondrial morphology. Together, these models deepen our
understanding of the dynamic interplay between signaling and metabolism in synaptic plasticity and
exercise physiology, laying the groundwork for further investigation and potential development of
therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders and improvements in exercise efficiency.