From Molecule to Morphology: A Multi-Scale Cell-Based Model of Angiogenesis

From Q-bio

We introduce a novel multi-scale cell-based model of tumor-induced angiogenesis and present results from numerical simulations that elucidate some mechanisms controlling vascular formation in the context of pro- and anti-angiogenesis treatment strategies. In particular, we investigate how extracellular matrix topology influences cell migration and vascular structure, and the relationship between external stimuli, cell phenotype, and vascular morphology. This model is the first to simulate branching, anastomosis (loop formation), and the brush border effect without prescribing any rules for the formation of such complex structures.