A computer program for the simulation of colony-like proliferation of fibroblasts and their cell cycle behavior

Several models have been constructed which describe the population dynamics of fibroblast cultures by means of their collective behavior. In contrast, we present here the first example of a program which also allows a topographical simulation of colony-like growth. Starting with one cell, each clonal population consists of single 'intelligent' cells running through a fictive cell cycle. Within the cycle several parameters (position of daughter cells, duration of cycle, etc.) are randomly chosen within given intervals, thus leading to an extremely large number of different clones which can be simulated. Therefore, an experimental-like procedure is possible. Although not being a true reflection of the cell cycle, the model is in good accordance with the clonal growth of fibroblasts. Our model has several aims, for example the application to prenatal diagnosis and the appearance of aberrant clones (in vivo versus in vitro occurrence of chromosome abnormalities in amniotic fluid cell clones). However, it seems to be well suited to check theories related to cellular senescence in vitro, and in particular the commitment theory.