A new model for cell division and migration with spontaneous topology changes

Abstract

Tissue topology, in particular proliferating epithelium topology, is remarkably similar between various species. Understanding the mechanisms that result in the observed topologies is needed for better insight into the processes governing tissue formation. We present a two-dimensional single-cell based model for cell divisions and tissue growth. The model accounts for cell mechanics and allows cell migration. Cells do not have pre-existing shapes or topologies. Shape changes and local rearrangements occur naturally as a response to the evolving cellular environment and cell–cell interactions. We show that the commonly observed tissue topologies arise spontaneously from this model. We consider different cellular rearrangements that accompany tissue growth and study their effects on tissue topology.