Nathanael Solitzky, “Development of in Silico Model of Tumorous Tissue”
Mentor: Mahsa Dabagh, Biomedical Engineering
Poster #187

In this project, we develop a multi-scale computational model to simulate the behavior of cancerous tissue, integrating the dynamics of cancer cells, fibroblasts, and coarse-grained collagen fibers. The model is based on principles of agent-based modeling and incorporates biophysical and biochemical interactions between cells and the ECM. At the cellular level, cancer cells are represented as agents that proliferate, migrate, and interact with neighboring cells and the ECM. Fibroblasts are included to simulate their role in tumor-stroma interactions, including the remodeling of the ECM. The interactions between cancer cells, fibroblasts, and collagen fibers are governed by rules derived from experimental observations and theoretical frameworks. These include cell-cell adhesion, cell-matrix adhesion, cell-matrix remodeling, and so on. The model allows for the exploration of various factors influencing tumor growth, invasion, and response to therapy. Simulation results provide insights into emergent behaviors of cancerous tissue, including the effects of ECM stiffness, cell heterogeneity, and spatial organization on tumor progression. Furthermore, the model facilitates the investigation of therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment, such as anti-angiogenic therapies and ECM-targeting agents. This interdisciplinary approach bridges computational modeling with experimental research, contributing to our understanding of cancer biology and facilitating the development of personalized treatment strategies.