title: Modeling mammary gland morphogenesis as a reaction-diffusion process.
abstract: Mammary ducts are formed through a process of branching morphogenesis. We present results of experiments using a simulation model of this process, and discuss their implications for understanding mammary duct extension and bifurcation. The model is a cellular automaton approximation of a reaction-diffusion process in which matrix metalloproteinases represent the activator, inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases represent the inhibitor, and growth factors serve as a substrate. We compare results from the simulation model with those from in-vivo experiments as part of an assessment of whether duct extension and bifurcation during morphogenesis may be a consequence of a reaction-diffusion mechanism mediated by MMPs and TIMPs.
authors.affiliation: Joint UCSF/UCB Bioengineering Graduate Group, California Univ., Berkeley, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: C Anthony
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.forename: Lan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Xia
authors.forename: Jimmie E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Fata
authors.forename: Mina J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bissell