Multiscale modeling of cell mechanics and tissue organization.
Nowadays, experimental biology gathers a large number of molecular and genetic data to understand the processes in living systems. Many of these data are evaluated on the level of cells, resulting in a changed phenotype of cells. Tools are required to translate the information on the cellular scale to the whole tissue, where multiple interacting cell types are involved. Agent-based modeling allows the investigation of properties emerging from the collective behavior of individual units. A typical agent in biology is a single cell that transports information from the intracellular level to larger scales. Mainly, two scales are relevant: changes in the dynamics of the cell, e.g. surface properties, and secreted molecules that can have effects at a distance larger than the cell diameter.
Beyer
Tilo
T
Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology Medical Faculty, Ottovon-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany. tilo.beyer@med.ovgu.de
Meyer-Hermann
Michael
M
D000465:Algorithms; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000502:physiology*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002450:Cell Communication; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004548:Elasticity; D025461:Feedback, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D017276:Friction; D006801:Humans; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D049490:Systems Biology