A cell-based computational model of early embryogenesis coupling mechanical behaviour and gene regulation.

ABSTRACT: The study of multicellular development is grounded in two complementary domains: cell biomechanics, which examines how physical forces shape the embryo, and genetic regulation and molecular signalling, which concern how cells determine their states and behaviours. Integrating both sides into a unified framework is crucial to fully understand the self-organized dynamics of morphogenesis. Here we introduce MecaGen, an integrative modelling platform enabling the hypothesis-driven simulation of these dual processes via the coupling between mechanical and chemical variables. Our approach relies upon a minimal 'cell behaviour ontology' comprising mesenchymal and epithelial cells and their associated behaviours. MecaGen enables the specification and control of complex collective movements in 3D s

SUBMITTER: Delile J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5264012 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature