Mathematical modeling of cell population dynamics in the colonic crypt and in colorectal cancer.

ABSTRACT: Colorectal cancer is initiated in colonic crypts. A succession of genetic mutations or epigenetic changes can lead to homeostasis in the crypt being overcome, and subsequent unbounded growth. We consider the dynamics of a single colorectal crypt by using a compartmental approach [Tomlinson IPM, Bodmer WF (1995) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 92:], which accounts for populations of stem cells, differentiated cells, and transit cells. That original model made the simplifying assumptions that each cell population divides synchronously, but we relax these assumptions by adopting an age-structured approach that models asynchronous cell division, and by using a continuum model. We discuss two mechanisms that could regulate the growth of cell numbers and maintain the equilibrium that is normally observed

SUBMITTER: Johnston MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1820699 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature