Single-Cell-Based Models in Biology and Medicine


Book Description

Aimed at postgraduate students in a variety of biology-related disciplines, this volume presents a collection of mathematical and computational single-cell-based models and their application. The main sections cover four general model groupings: hybrid cellular automata, cellular potts, lattice-free cells, and viscoelastic cells. Each section is introduced by a discussion of the applicability of the particular modelling approach and its advantages and disadvantages, which will make the book suitable for students starting research in mathematical biology as well as scientists modelling multicellular processes.




Mathematical Models of Cell-Based Morphogenesis


Book Description

This book describes the shape formation of living organisms using mathematical models. Genes are deeply related to the shape of living organisms, and elucidation of a pathway of shape formation from genes is one of the fundamental problems in biology. Mathematical cell models are indispensable tools to elucidate this problem. The book introduces two mathematical cell models, the cell center model and the vertex model, with their applications. The cell center model is applied to elucidate the formation of neat cell arrangements in epidermis, cell patterns consisting of heterogeneous-sized cells, capillary networks, and the branching patterns of blood vessels. The vertex model is applied to elucidate the wound healing mechanisms of the epithelium and ordered pattern formation involving apoptosis. Pattern formation with differential cell adhesion is also described. The vertex model is then extended from a two-dimensional (2D) to a three-dimensional (3D) model. A cell aggregate involving a large cavity is described to explain the development of the mammalian blastocyst or the formation of an epithelial vesicle. Epithelial tissues and the polarity formation process of the epithelium are also explained. The vertex model also recapitulates active remodeling of tissues and describes the twisting of tissue that contributes to understanding the cardiac loop formation of the embryonic tube. The book showcases that mathematical cell models are indispensable tools to understand the shape formation of living organisms. Successful contribution of the mathematical cell models means that the remodeling of collective cells is self-construction. Examining the successive iterations of self-constructions leads to understanding the remarkable and mysterious morphogenesis that occurs during the development of living organisms. The intended readers of this book are not only theoretical or mathematical biologists, but also experimental and general biologists, including undergraduate and postgraduate students who are interested in the relationship between genes and morphogenesis.




Mathematical Models for Biological Pattern Formation


Book Description

This 121st IMA volume, entitled MATHEMATICAL MODELS FOR BIOLOGICAL PATTERN FORMATION is the first of a new series called FRONTIERS IN APPLICATION OF MATHEMATICS. The FRONTIERS volumes are motivated by IMA pro grams and workshops, but are specially planned and written to provide an entree to and assessment of exciting new areas for the application of mathematical tools and analysis. The emphasis in FRONTIERS volumes is on surveys, exposition and outlook, to attract more mathematicians and other scientists to the study of these areas and to focus efforts on the most important issues, rather than papers on the most recent research results aimed at an audience of specialists. The present volume of peer-reviewed papers grew out of the 1998-99 IMA program on "Mathematics in Biology," in particular the Fall 1998 em phasis on "Theoretical Problems in Developmental Biology and Immunol ogy." During that period there were two workshops on Pattern Formation and Morphogenesis, organized by Professors Murray, Maini and Othmer. James Murray was one of the principal organizers for the entire year pro gram. I am very grateful to James Murray for providing an introduction, and to Philip Maini and Hans Othmer for their excellent work in planning and preparing this first FRONTIERS volume. I also take this opportunity to thank the National Science Foundation, whose financial support of the IMA made the Mathematics in Biology pro gram possible.




Mathematical Models and Methods for Living Systems


Book Description

The aim of these lecture notes is to give an introduction to several mathematical models and methods that can be used to describe the behaviour of living systems. This emerging field of application intrinsically requires the handling of phenomena occurring at different spatial scales and hence the use of multiscale methods.Modelling and simulating the mechanisms that cells use to move, self-organise and develop in tissues is not only fundamental to an understanding of embryonic development, but is also relevant in tissue engineering and in other environmental and industrial processes involving the growth and homeostasis of biological systems. Growth and organization processes are also important in many tissue degeneration and regeneration processes, such as tumour growth, tissue vascularization, heart and muscle functionality, and cardio-vascular diseases.




Pattern Formation in Morphogenesis


Book Description

Pattern Formation in Morphogenesis is a rich source of interesting and challenging mathematical problems. The volume aims at showing how a combination of new discoveries in developmental biology and associated modelling and computational techniques has stimulated or may stimulate relevant advances in the field. Finally it aims at facilitating the process of unfolding a mutual recognition between Biologists and Mathematicians of their complementary skills, to the point where the resulting synergy generates new and novel discoveries. It offers an interdisciplinary interaction space between biologists from embryology, genetics and molecular biology who present their own work in the perspective of the advancement of their specific fields, and mathematicians who propose solutions based on the knowledge grasped from biologists.




Mathematical Models in Biology


Book Description

Mathematical Models in Biology is an introductory book for readers interested in biological applications of mathematics and modeling in biology. A favorite in the mathematical biology community, it shows how relatively simple mathematics can be applied to a variety of models to draw interesting conclusions. Connections are made between diverse biological examples linked by common mathematical themes. A variety of discrete and continuous ordinary and partial differential equation models are explored. Although great advances have taken place in many of the topics covered, the simple lessons contained in this book are still important and informative. Audience: the book does not assume too much background knowledge--essentially some calculus and high-school algebra. It was originally written with third- and fourth-year undergraduate mathematical-biology majors in mind; however, it was picked up by beginning graduate students as well as researchers in math (and some in biology) who wanted to learn about this field.




Mathematical Modelling in Plant Biology


Book Description

Progress in plant biology relies on the quantification, analysis and mathematical modeling of data over different time and length scales. This book describes common mathematical and computational approaches as well as some carefully chosen case studies that demonstrate the use of these techniques to solve problems at the forefront of plant biology. Each chapter is written by an expert in field with the goal of conveying concepts whilst at the same time providing sufficient background and links to available software for readers to rapidly build their own models and run their own simulations. This book is aimed at postgraduate students and researchers working the field of plant systems biology and synthetic biology, but will also be a useful reference for anyone wanting to get into quantitative plant biology.




Mechanisms of Morphogenesis


Book Description

Morphogenesis is the set of processes that generate shape and form in the embryo--an important area within developmental biology. An exciting and up-to-the-minute account of the very latest research into the factors that create biological form, Mechanisms of Morphogenesis, second edition is a text reference on the mechanisms of cell and tissue morphogenesis in a diverse array of organisms, including prokaryotes, animals, plants and fungi. By combining hard data with computer modeling, Mechanisms of Morphogenesis, second edition equips readers with a much broader understanding of the scope of modern research than is otherwise available. The book focuses on the ways in which the genetic program is translated to generate cell shape, to direct cell migration, and to produce the shape, form and rates of growth of the various tissues. Each topic is illustrated with experimental data from real systems, with particular reference to gaps in current knowledge and pointers to future - Includes over 200 four-color figures - Offers an integrated view of theoretical developmental biology and computer modelling with laboratory-based discoveries - Covers experimental techniques as a guide to the reader - Organized around principles and mechanisms, using them to integrate discoveries from a range of organisms and systems




Mathematical Modelling in Biomedicine


Book Description

Mathematical modelling in biomedicine is a rapidly developing scientific discipline at the intersection of medicine, biology, mathematics, physics, and computer science. Its progress is stimulated by fundamental scientific questions and by the applications to public health. This book represents a collection of papers devoted to mathematical modelling of various physiological problems in normal and pathological conditions. It covers a broad range of topics including cardiovascular system and diseases, heart and brain modelling, tumor growth, viral infections, and immune response. Computational models of blood circulation are used to study the influence of heart arrhythmias on coronary blood flow and on operating modes for left-ventricle-assisted devices. Wave propagation in the cardiac tissue is investigated in order to show the influence of tissue heterogeneity and fibrosis. The models of tumor growth are used to determine optimal protocols of antiangiogenic and radiotherapy. The models of viral hepatitis kinetics are considered for the parameter identification, and the evolution of viral quasi-species is investigated. The book presents the state-of-the-art in mathematical modelling in biomedicine and opens new perspectives in this passionate field of research.




Cellular Automaton Modeling of Biological Pattern Formation


Book Description

This text explores the use of cellular automata in modeling pattern formation in biological systems. It describes several mathematical modeling approaches utilizing cellular automata that can be used to study the dynamics of interacting cell systems both in simulation and in practice. New in this edition are chapters covering cell migration, tissue development, and cancer dynamics, as well as updated references and new research topic suggestions that reflect the rapid development of the field. The book begins with an introduction to pattern-forming principles in biology and the various mathematical modeling techniques that can be used to analyze them. Cellular automaton models are then discussed in detail for different types of cellular processes and interactions, including random movement, cell migration, adhesive cell interaction, alignment and cellular swarming, growth processes, pigment cell pattern formation, tissue development, tumor growth and invasion, and Turing-type patterns and excitable media. In the final chapter, the authors critically discuss possibilities and limitations of the cellular automaton approach in modeling various biological applications, along with future research directions. Suggestions for research projects are provided throughout the book to encourage additional engagement with the material, and an accompanying simulator is available for readers to perform their own simulations on several of the models covered in the text. QR codes are included within the text for easy access to the simulator. With its accessible presentation and interdisciplinary approach, Cellular Automaton Modeling of Biological Pattern Formation is suitable for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in mathematical biology, biological modeling, and biological computing. It will also be a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in applied mathematics, mathematical biology, computational physics, bioengineering, and computer science. PRAISE FOR THE FIRST EDITION “An ideal guide for someone with a mathematical or physical background to start exploring biological modelling. Importantly, it will also serve as an excellent guide for experienced modellers to innovate and improve their methodologies for analysing simulation results.” —Mathematical Reviews