Hybrid cell-centred/vertex model for multicellular systems with equilibrium-preserving remodelling.

Area of Science:

• Computational biology
• Biophysics
• Mechanobiology

Background:

• Simulating cellular monolayers is crucial for understanding tissue development and disease.
• Existing models often struggle to capture dynamic changes in cell connectivity during tissue remodeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel hybrid cell-centred/vertex model for simulating planar cellular monolayers.
• To accurately model cell reorganization and mechanical forces during tissue remodeling events.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid model combining cell-centred and vertex networks with a coupled kinematic constraint.
• Progressive relaxation of the kinematic constraint to simulate cell reorganisation.
• Variable resting length and Equilibrium-Preserving Mapping to handle changes in cell connectivity.

Main Results:

• The model successfully simulates monolayers under imposed extension and during wound healing.
• Analysis of force evolution and the Equilibrium-Preserving Mapping during remodeling events.
• Demonstration of seamless recovery of fully vertex or cell-centred models by adjusting a numerical parameter.

Conclusions:

• The hybrid model provides a versatile framework for simulating mechanical processes in cellular monolayers.
• The Equilibrium-Preserving Mapping is effective in maintaining equilibrium during topological changes.
• The model's adaptability allows for simplified simulations by transitioning to vertex or cell-centred approaches.