Collective effects in cellular structure formation mediated by compliant environments: a Monte Carlo study

Compliant environments can mediate interactions between mechanically active cells like fibroblasts. Starting with a phenomenological model for the behavior of single cells, we use extensive Monte Carlo simulations to predict non-trivial structure formation for cell communities on soft elastic substr...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bischofs-Pfeifer, Ilka (Author) , Schwarz, Ulrich S. (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 5 April 2006
In: Acta biomaterialia
Year: 2006, Volume: 2, Issue: 3, Pages: 253-265
ISSN:1878-7568
DOI:10.1016/j.actbio.2006.01.002
Online Access:Verlag, Volltext: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2006.01.002
Verlag, Volltext: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1742706106000079
Get full text
Author Notes:Ilka B. Bischofs, Ulrich S. Schwarz
Description
Summary:Compliant environments can mediate interactions between mechanically active cells like fibroblasts. Starting with a phenomenological model for the behavior of single cells, we use extensive Monte Carlo simulations to predict non-trivial structure formation for cell communities on soft elastic substrates as a function of elastic moduli, cell density, noise and cell position geometry. In general, we find a disordered structure as well as ordered string-like and ring-like structures. The transition between ordered and disordered structures is controlled both by cell density and noise level, while the transition between string- and ring-like ordered structures is controlled by the Poisson ratio. Similar effects are observed in three dimensions. Our results suggest that in regard to elastic effects, healthy connective tissue usually is in a macroscopically disordered state, but can be switched to a macroscopically ordered state by appropriate parameter variations, in a way that is reminiscent of wound contraction or diseased states like contracture.
Item Description:Gesehen am 15.12.2017
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1878-7568
DOI:10.1016/j.actbio.2006.01.002