Applying Computer Modeling to Examine Complex Dynamics and Pattern Formation of Tissue Growth

For research in areas such as developmental biology and cancer, understanding the formation and regrowth of tissue is of great importance. Since complex system behavior makes it difficult to interpret dynamics and pattern formation of tissue growth, it is helpful to have a way to simulate the cell systems and test hypotheses about the mechanisms by which the system is responding. Computer “modeling experiments” can serve this purpose, as we show with an example of the small intestine epithelial cells' response to cytosine arabinoside. This example demonstrates that nonhomogeneities in the cell population can play an important role and emphasizes the need to use a modeling approach, like our spatial modeling, that addresses the differences within the tissue structure. These types of “modeling experiments” can guide researchers with further experiments and provide clues as to how complex cell proliferation behavior is linked to underlying molecular phenomena.