Modeling Neurotransmission: Computational Tools to Investigate Neurological Disorders

The investigation of synaptic functions remains one of the most fascinating challenges in
the field of neuroscience and a large number of experimental methods have been tuned to dissect the
mechanisms taking part in the neurotransmission process. Furthermore, the understanding of the
insights of neurological disorders originating from alterations in neurotransmission often requires the
development of (i) animal models of pathologies, (ii) invasive tools and (iii) targeted pharmacological
approaches. In the last decades, additional tools to explore neurological diseases have been provided
to the scientific community. A wide range of computational models in fact have been developed to
explore the alterations of the mechanisms involved in neurotransmission following the emergence
of neurological pathologies. Here, we review some of the advancements in the development of
computational methods employed to investigate neuronal circuits with a particular focus on the
application to the most diffuse neurological disorders.