Simulation of morphogenesis: From a pluripotent stem cell to an ensemble of differentiated cells

Abstract

We propose two general models describing growth of a cell population. The first mean-field model, taking into account self-driven proliferation and long-range inhibitory interactions, makes it possible to generate various types of temporal kinetics of division of differentiated cells even if cells form a simple spherical 3D structure. Asymptotically, it reproduces exponential growth, power-law growth, and termination of the growth. The second model, based on the lattice Monte Carlo technique, illustrates the role of spatial constraints and cell–cell adhesion and communication in morphogenesis occurring via diffusion and division of pluripotent stem cells and differentiated cells. The latter model may predict complex patterns even in the case of a relatively small number of cell types and simple rules of communication.