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. 2025 Jul 7;87(8):109.
doi: 10.1007/s11538-025-01486-2.

Parameter Optimization for a Neurotransmission Recovery Model

Ariane Ernst  1   2 , Anastasia Bankowski  1 , Meida Jusyte  3 , Toluwani Okunola  1 , Tino Petrov  1 , Alexander M Walter  4   5 , Stefanie Winkelmann  6
Affiliations

Parameter Optimization for a Neurotransmission Recovery Model

Ariane Ernst et al. Bull Math Biol. .

Abstract

We assess the empirical applicability of a simplified model for neurotransmitter release that incorporates maturation, fusion, and recovery of both release sites and vesicles. Model parameters are optimized by fitting the model to experimental data obtained from neuromuscular junction synapses of 3rd-instar Drosophila melanogaster larvae. In particular, the mean-squared error between the local extrema of the simulated total junction current and its experimental counterpart is minimized. We compare three estimation approaches, differing in the choice of optimized parameters and the fusion rate function. Despite the model's minimalistic structure, it demonstrates a compelling ability to replicate experimental data, yielding plausible parameter estimates for five different animals. An additional identifiability analysis based on the profile likelihood reveals practical non-identifiabilities for several parameters, highlighting the need for additional constraints or data to improve estimation accuracy.

Keywords: Mathematical biology; Neurotransmission; Parameter estimation; Parameter identifiability; Reaction-rate equation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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