Cell-center-based model for simulating three-dimensional monolayer tissue deformation

• Published in: Journal of theoretical biology 2023-08, Vol.571, p.111560-111560, Article 111560
• Main Authors: Mimura, Tomohiro, Inoue, Yasuhiro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Apical constriction; Cell Differentiation; Cell division; Cell rearrangement; Computer Simulation; Models, Biological; Models, Theoretical; Morphogenesis; Multicellular dynamics; Tissue morphogenesis
• ISSN: 0022-5193; 1095-8541
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2023.111560

The shape of the epithelial monolayer can be depicted as a curved tissue in three-dimensional (3D) space, where individual cells are tightly adhered to one another. The 3D morphogenesis of these tissues is governed by cell dynamics, and a variety of mathematical modeling and simulation studies have been conducted to investigate this process. One promising approach is the cell-center model, which can account for the discreteness of cells. The cell nucleus, which is considered to correspond to the cell center, can be observed experimentally. However, there has been a shortage of cell-center models specifically tailored for simulating 3D monolayer tissue deformation. In this study, we developed a mathematical model based on the cell-center model to simulate 3D monolayer tissue deformation. Our model was confirmed by simulating the in-plane deformation, out-of-plane deformation, and invagination due to apical constriction. •Several mathematical modeling studies on cell dynamics have been conducted.•A cell-center model addressing 3D tissue deformation was developed.•Global tissue deformation could be handled by local cell force generation.