Bridging from single to collective cell migration: A review of models and links to experiments

Abstract

Mathematical and computational models can assist in gaining an understanding of cell behavior at many levels of organization. Here, we review models in the literature that focus on eukaryotic cell motility at 3 size scales: intracellular signaling that regulates cell shape and movement, single cell motility, and collective cell behavior from a few cells to tissues. We survey recent literature to summarize distinct computational methods (phase-field, polygonal, Cellular Potts, and spherical cells). We discuss models that bridge between levels of organization, and describe levels of detail, both biochemical and geometric, included in the models. We also highlight links between models and experiments. We find that models that span the 3 levels are still in the minority.

Author summary

In this review paper, we summarize the literature on computational models for cell motility, from the biochemical networks that regulate it, to the behavior of 1 and many cells. We discuss the distinct approaches used at each level, and how models can build bridges between the different size scales. We find models at many different levels of biological detail, and discuss their relative contributions to our understanding of single and collective cell behavior. Finally, we indicate how models have been linked to biological experiments in this field.