Dynamics of the brain extracellular matrix governed by interactions with neural cells

TL;DR

This paper presents a mathematical model of neuron-ECM interactions in the brain, revealing various dynamic regimes such as bistability and oscillations, which depend on underlying biophysical mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mathematical framework to describe activity-dependent ECM dynamics influenced by neuronal interactions.

Findings

Different ECM dynamical regimes identified, including bistability and oscillations.

ECM activity can switch between stable and oscillatory states.

Model highlights the role of biophysical mechanisms in ECM regulation.

Abstract

Neuronal and glial cells release diverse proteoglycans and glycoproteins, which aggregate in the extracellular space and form the extracellular matrix (ECM) that may in turn regulate major cellular functions. Brain cells also release extracellular proteases that may degrade the ECM, and both synthesis and degradation of ECM are activity-dependent. In this study we introduce a mathematical model describing population dynamics of neurons interacting with ECM molecules over extended timescales. It is demonstrated that depending on the prevalent biophysical mechanism of ECM-neuronal interactions, different dynamical regimes of ECM activity can be observed, including bistable states with stable stationary levels of ECM molecule concentration, spontaneous ECM oscillations, and coexistence of ECM oscillations and a stationary state, allowing dynamical switches between activity regimes.