Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Mapping the Emergent Spatial Organization of Mammalian Cells using Micropatterns and Quantitative Imaging
Published on: April 30, 2019
Cellular Potts modeling of complex multicellular behaviors in tissue morphogenesis
Tsuyoshi Hirashima1, Elisabeth G Rens2,3, Roeland M H Merks2,3
1Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
Abstract:
Mathematical modeling is an essential approach for the understanding of complex multicellular behaviors in tissue morphogenesis. Here, we review the cellular Potts model (CPM; also known as the Glazier-Graner-Hogeweg model), an effective computational modeling framework. We discuss its usability for modeling complex developmental phenomena by examining four fundamental examples of tissue morphogenesis: (i) cell sorting, (ii) cyst formation, (iii) tube morphogenesis in kidney development, and (iv) blood vessel formation. The review provides an introduction for biologists for starting simulation analysis using the CPM framework.
Related Concept Videos
Cellular Differentiation
A zygote is a...
Gastrulation
Morphogenesis

