A mechanobiological model for tissue differentiation that includes angiogenesis: a lattice-based modeling approach

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Tissue differentiation is influenced by mechanical cues and nutrient supply.
• Oxygen diffusion limits are critical, making vascular network morphology important.
• Existing models often focus solely on mechanical environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a computational model for tissue differentiation incorporating both mechanical environment and vascularity.
• To investigate the role of vascular network morphology in tissue differentiation.
• To simulate tissue differentiation in a bone/implant gap under shear stress.

Main Methods:

• A computational model using a regular lattice to simulate cell activities (migration, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis).
• An algorithm for capillary network formation that includes mechanoregulation of vessel growth.
• Simulation of tissue differentiation in a bone/implant gap under shear loading.

Main Results:

• The model successfully predicts capillary networks resembling experimental findings.
• Heterogeneous patterns of tissue differentiation were observed, influenced by capillary network morphology.
• Higher mechanical loads were shown to slow vascular development and delay bone tissue formation.

Conclusions:

• Vascular network morphology is a critical factor in tissue differentiation alongside mechanical environment.
• The developed model provides insights into mechanoregulation of vascular growth and tissue development.
• Mechanical load influences vascularization and subsequent bone tissue formation.