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Modeling Morphogenesis in silico and in vitro: TowardsQuantitative, Predictive, Cell-based Modeling

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 July 2009

R. M. H. Merks and
P. Koolwijk
R. M. H. Merks
Affiliation:
CWI, Science Park 123, 1098 XG AmsterdamNCSB-NISB, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam
P. Koolwijk*
Affiliation:
Laboratory for Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research VU University Medical Center, 1081 BT Amsterdam
*
roeland.merks@sysbio.nl
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Abstract

Cell-based, mathematical models helpmake sense of morphogenesis—i.e. cells organizing intoshape and pattern—by capturing cell behavior in simple, purelydescriptive models. Cell-based models then predict thetissue-level patterns the cells produce collectively. The firststep in a cell-based modeling approach is to isolatesub-processes, e.g. the patterning capabilities of one or afew cell types in cell cultures. Cell-based models can thenidentify the mechanisms responsible for patterning in vitro.This review discusses two cell culture models of morphogenesisthat have been studied using this combinedexperimental-mathematical approach: chondrogenesis (cartilagepatterning) and vasculogenesis (de novo blood vessel growth). Inboth these systems, radically different models can equallyplausibly explain the in vitro patterns. Quantitativedescriptions of cell behavior would help choose betweenalternative models. We will briefly review the experimentalmethodology (microfluidics technology and traction forcemicroscopy) used to measure responses of individual cells to theirmicro-environment, including chemical gradients, physical forcesand neighboring cells. We conclude by discussing how to includequantitative cell descriptions into a cell-based model: theCellular Potts model.

Keywords

morphogenesiscell culturesquantitative biologycell-basedmodelingcellular potts modelvasculogenesisangiogenesischondrogenesis

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Mathematical Modelling of Natural Phenomena , Volume 4 , Issue 4: Morphogenesis , 2009, pp. 149 - 171
Copyright
© EDP Sciences, 2009

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