The lab PI received a new NIH award entitled: "Development of robust cloud-based software for co-simulation of biophysical circuit and whole-brain network models." This is a 1-year administrative supplement for his current NIH U24 grant to develop the NetPyNE tool.
Project summary:
The goal of this supplement is to enhance NetPyNE's interoperability by transforming a proof-of-concept interface between NetPyNE and The Virtual Brain (TVB) into a robust, user-friendly, scalable and efficient software that is portable across three cloud environments (EBRAINS, The Neuroscience Gateway and Google Cloud, via NIH STRIDES). TVB is the worldwide reference tool for simulating macroscale whole-brain network models derived from multimodal MRI (anatomical, functional and diffusion) and EEG datasets. The TVB-NetPyNE interface therefore achieves a new milestone for multiscale modeling: linking molecular chemical signaling to whole-brain network dynamics. Through this supplement we will also increase user adoption and community engagement of both NetPyNE and the TVB-NetPyNE interface through 1) documentation, tutorials and example workflows; 2) dissemination and training via workshops and courses; and 3) following software engineering and sharing best practices. This project broadens the potential user base of NetPyNE by attracting new users from the TVB and cloud platform communities, and more generally, clinicians and researchers working with MRI, EEG and MEG data. TVB has been downloaded over 38,000 times, and has been used to construct and simulate over 1000 individual, connectome-based brain network models and contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed publications. The proposed activities will therefore enable widespread use of a novel open science tool to investigate the interactions between whole-brain functional activity and the underlying circuit, cellular and molecular components, and help understand and treat complex brain disorders.
