title: Computational analysis of three-dimensional epithelial morphogenesis using vertex models.
abstract: The folding of epithelial sheets, accompanied by cell shape changes and rearrangements, gives rise to three-dimensional structures during development. Recently, some aspects of epithelial morphogenesis have been modeled using vertex models, in which each cell is approximated by a polygon; however, these models have been largely confined to two dimensions. Here, we describe an adaptation of these models in which the classical two-dimensional vertex model is embedded in three dimensions. This modification allows for the construction of complex three-dimensional shapes from simple sheets of cells. We describe algorithmic, computational, and biophysical aspects of our model, with the view that it may be useful for formulating and testing hypotheses regarding the mechanical forces underlying a wide range of morphogenetic processes.
authors.affiliation: Molecular and Cellular Physiology Department, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. Bioengineering Department, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
authors.forename: XinXin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Du
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Osterfield
authors.forename: Stanislav Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Shvartsman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D048430:Cell Shape; D019295:Computational Biology / Q000379:methods*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004330:Drosophila; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000254:growth & development; D008954:Models, Biological; D009024:Morphogenesis