Mathematical Modelling and Computational Simulation of Mammalian Cell Cycle Progression in Batch Systems

Abstract

Cell cycle and its progression play a crucial role in the life of all living organisms, in tissues and organs of animals and humans, and therefore are the subject of intense study by scientists in various fields of biomedicine, bioengineering and biotechnology. Effective and predictive simulation models can offer new development opportunities in such fields. In the present paper a comprehensive mathematical model for simulating the cell cycle progression in batch systems is proposed. The model includes a structured population balance with two internal variables (i.e., cell volume and age) that properly describes cell cycle evolution through the various stages that a cell of an entire population undergoes as it grows and divides. The rate of transitions between two subsequent phases of the cell cycle are obtained by considering a detailed biochemical model which simulates the series of complex events that take place during cell growth and its division. The model capability for simulating the effect of various seeding conditions and the adding of few substances during in vitro tests, is discussed by considering specific cases of interest in tissue engineering and biomedicine.