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Possibility of tissue separation caused by cell adhesion
Ryohji Takano1, Atsushi Mochizuki, Yoh Iwasa
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan. takano@bio-math10.biology.kyushuu.ac.jp
Journal of Theoretical Biology
|April 26, 2003
Summary
Differential cell adhesion and random movement can drive tissue separation. However, successful separation requires specific adhesion conditions beyond simply maximizing total adhesion (MTA), and new adhesion molecules alone are insufficient.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Computational biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Tissue separation is crucial during development, exemplified by neural tube formation.
- Adhesive molecules, like cadherins, are implicated in these processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if differential cell adhesion and random movement alone can achieve tissue separation.
- To test the Maximum Total Adhesion (MTA) rule in silico.
Main Methods:
- A 2D triangular lattice model with three cell types (black, white, gray).
- Simulated random cell movement, favoring moves that increase total adhesion.
- Defined successful separation as clusters of black and white cells separating with gray cells inserted.
Main Results:
- Computer simulations showed successful separation under specific adhesion conditions.
- The Maximum Total Adhesion (MTA) rule was partially supported but found to be insufficient.
- Some adhesion combinations led to extremely long separation times.
Conclusions:
- Differential cell adhesion and random cell movement can mediate tissue separation.
- Successful separation is more restricted than predicted by the MTA rule alone.
- New expression of adhesion molecules is insufficient without other morphogenetic changes.