A multi-scale cell-based model of lumen formation in single endothelial cell

Abstract

Lumen formation is the key event in vascular morphogenic events. Acquiring lumenal compartment in endothelial cells (EC) depends on mechanical and biochemical signals that EC receive from its environment. In this article, a mu I ti sta lo cell based model is developed to simulate lumen formation and development in a single EC. In cellular scale, cellular Pott's model is used for EC growth and interaction with heterogeneous structure of extracellular matrix (ECM). In molecular scale, the signaling cascade of lumen formation is obtained and a Boolean network is used to model receptor cross talk and intracellular signaling molecules interactions. The results show development of lumen inside an EC.