Plausibility of stromal initiation of epithelial cancers without a mutation in the epithelium: a computer simulation of morphostats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is experimental evidence from animal models favoring the notion that the disruption of interactions between stroma and epithelium plays an important role in the initiation of carcinogenesis. These disrupted interactions are hypothesized to be mediated by molecules, termed morphostats, which diffuse through the tissue to determine cell phenotype and maintain tissue architecture.

Methods

We developed a computer simulation based on simple properties of cell renewal and morphostats.

Results

Under the computer simulation, the disruption of the morphostat gradient in the stroma generated epithelial precursors of cancer without any mutation in the epithelium.

Conclusion

The model is consistent with the possibility that the accumulation of genetic and

SUBMITTER: Baker SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2663766 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature