Multiscale Model of the Vagal Outflow to the Heart

Investigators
James Schwaber and Rajanikanth Vadigepalli
Contact info (email)
rajanikanth.vadigepalli@jefferson.edu
1. Define context(s)
reveal new biological insights
Current Conformance Level / Target Conformance Level
Adequate
Primary goal of the model/tool/database

This project is focused on developing a multiscale model of how the heart is controlled by the neuronal circuits in the brainstem. Central coordination of cardiovascular function is accomplished, in part, by the baroreceptor reflex, a multi-input multi-output physiological control system that regulates the activity of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems via interactions among multiple brainstem nuclei. our prior analysis of brainstem neurons revealed that single-neuron transcriptional heterogeneity reflects an adaptive response to synaptic inputs and that these neurons organize into distinct subtypes with respect to synaptic inputs received. We utilized a multiscale model to examine the functional impact neuronal adaptation has on modulating autonomic activity, focusing on parasympathetic activity, within the context of short-term baroreceptor reflex regulation.

Biological domain of the model
baroreflex control of blood pressure
Structure(s) of interest in the model
brainstem; heart;
Spatial scales included in the model
molecular scale; cellular scale; organ scale
Time scales included in the model
milliseconds; seconds; minutes
2. Data for building and validating the model
Data for building the model Published? Private? How is credibility checked? Current Conformance Level / Target Conformance Level
in vitro (primary cells cell, lines, etc.) Yes Journal peer review Adequate
ex vivo (excised tissues) No
in vivo pre-clinical (lower-level organism or small animal) Yes Journal peer review Adequate
in vivo pre-clinical (large animal) No
Human subjects/clinical No
Other: ________________________
Data for validating the model Published? Private? How is credibility checked? Current Conformance Level / Target Conformance Level
in vitro (primary cells cell, lines, etc.)
ex vivo (excised tissues)
in vivo pre-clinical (lower-level organism or small animal) Yes Journal peer review Adequate
in vivo pre-clinical (large animal)
Human subjects/clinical
Other: ________________________
3. Validate within context(s)
Who does it? When does it happen? How is it done? Current Conformance Level / Target Conformance Level
Verification Lab peers Prior to manuscript submission Independent cross-check starting with the manuscript Adequate
Validation Lab peers Prior to manuscript submission Independent cross-check starting with the manuscript Adequate
Uncertainty quantification Model developer During modeling process Established techniques Adequate
Sensitivity analysis Model developer During modeling process Established techniques Adequate
Other:__________
Additional Comments
4. Limitations
Disclaimer statement (explain key limitations) Who needs to know about this disclaimer? How is this disclaimer shared with that audience? Current Conformance Level / Target Conformance Level
Model limited to normal control of blood pressure; Disease states such as high blood pressure are not accounted for in the brainstem regulatory networks. Cardiovascular disease researchers Description in the publications Adequate
5. Version control
Current Conformance Level / Target Conformance Level
Inadequate
Naming Conventions? Repository? Code Review?
individual modeler Yes No Independent peer cross-check
within the lab Yes No Independent peer cross-check
collaborators Yes No No
6. Documentation
Current Conformance Level / Target Conformance Level
Code commented? Adequate
Scope and intended use described? Adequate
User’s guide? Inadequate
Developer’s guide? Inadequate
7. Dissemination
Current Conformance Level / Target Conformance Level
Adequate
Target Audience(s): “Inner circle” Scientific community Public
Simulations Shared folders; Lab presentations Supplemental information in manuscripts Manuscripts
Models Shared folders; Lab presentations Supplemental information in manuscripts Manuscripts
Software Shared folders; Lab presentations NA NA
Results Shared folders; Lab presentations Manuscripts Manuscripts
Implications of results Shared folders; Lab presentations Manuscripts Manuscripts; Institutional Newsletters
8. Independent reviews
Current Conformance Level / Target Conformance Level
Adequate
Reviewer(s) name & affiliation: Lab peers
When was review performed? Prior to manuscript submission
How was review performed and outcomes of the review? Independent review was performed starting with the description in the manuscript to develop new code according to the equations, parameter values, and contextual information provided in the manuscript.
9. Test competing implementations
Current Conformance Level / Target Conformance Level
Adequate
Yes or No (briefly summarize)
Were competing implementations tested? Yes
Did this lead to model refinement or improvement? Yes
10. Conform to standards
Current Conformance Level / Target Conformance Level
Adequate
Yes or No (briefly summarize)
Are there operating procedures, guidelines, or standards for this type of multiscale modeling? Yes
How do your modeling efforts conform? Yes