Advances in Cell Mechanics

Abstract

A phenomenological discrete model for the dynamics of growing cell clusters is presented. Each cell is modeled as a growing deformable solid which can interact mechanically with its neighbors by means of adhesion and repulsion forces. By defining simple behavior rules based on the age and the mechanical state of the cells, simple cluster dynamics can be reproduced. The framework is far from complete, but describes the essential features required for more complete mechanical simulations of cell ensembles.