An Overview of Models of Cell Proliferation

Abstract

Some different types of models of cell proliferation are discussed. The importance of basing the models on experimental data is emphasised, but warnings are given about some of the pitfalls in fitting models of data. The importance of investigating alternative models which might lead to similar experimental findings is stressed. The use of simulation to assess the ability of an analytical method to extract correct information from experimental data is advocated. In this instance, the modelling process takes place in advance of the data collection. Models described relate to cell proliferation in a transplantable tumor, the prostate of the castrate mouse stimulated with testosterone, and stratified squamous epithelium. Experimental techiques include measurment of tumor size, calculation of labelling and mitotic indices over time, and the fraction labelled mitoses method.