Cell and Tissue Modeling

M3 uses Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) to create cell and tissue-level simulations of skeletal muscle behavior. ABMs use experimental data to create rules defining the behaviors of agents (cells). These models provide insight into emergent properties of biological systems. Further experimentation, in vivo or in vitro, is used to validate these models.

MODELING CELLULAR BEHAVIORS AND THE ROLE OF ESTROGEN SIGNALING DURING MUSCLE REGENERATION 

Computational models are an ideal complement to experimental efforts for understanding complex phenomena such as muscle degeneration, regeneration, and remodeling, which emerge from the dynamic behaviors and interactions of individual, heterogeneous cells that are mediated by numerous biochemical signals. While our fundamental understanding of the individual cellular and subcellular behaviors of muscle cells has advanced, there remain no effective treatment methods to accelerate muscle regeneration and reduce fibrosis. In our lab, we use agent-based modeling to study the impact of cell behaviors, cytokine expression, and sex hormones on muscle regeneration. These models are used to test variations of growth factor levels to develop optimized treatments for muscle regeneration that account for variations in estrogen levels.

 

MODELING THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC DISUSE ATROPHY ON MUSCLE REGENERATION AFTER INJURY

Disuse atrophy occurs after prolonged periods of mechanical unloading of skeletal muscle, leading to reductions in muscle mass and strength. Several clinical populations face disuse atrophy, like those on bed rest or in spaceflight. We know that several cell behaviors are impaired in unloaded environments, such as immune response and fibroblast adhesion, but it is unclear how these impairments collectively affect skeletal muscle regeneration. Using agent-based modeling, we hope to investigate how these altered cell behaviors in atrophied skeletal muscle influence regenerative capacity. 

 

 

Previous Work

Prior projects in the lab included agent-based modeling of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Muscle Atrophy from Unloading.