Phenotypic switching mechanisms determine the structure of cell migration into extracellular matrix under the `go-or-grow' hypothesis

no code implementations • 14 Jan 2024 • Rebecca M. Crossley, Kevin J. Painter, Tommaso Lorenzi, Philip K. Maini, Ruth E. Baker

Comparing a previously studied volume-filling model for a homogeneous population of generalist cells that can proliferate, move and degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) \cite{crossley2023travelling} to a novel model for a heterogeneous population comprising two distinct sub-populations of specialist cells that can either move and degrade ECM or proliferate, this study explores how different hypothetical phenotypic switching mechanisms affect the speed and structure of the invading cell populations.

A biased random walk approach for modeling the collective chemotaxis of neural crest cells

no code implementations • 2 Oct 2023 • Viktoria Freingruber, Kevin J. Painter, Mariya Ptashnyk, Linus Schumacher

Collective cell migration is a multicellular phenomenon that arises in various biological contexts, including cancer and embryo development.

Leadership through influence: what mechanisms allow leaders to steer a swarm?

no code implementations • 9 Feb 2021 • Sara Bernardi, Raluca Eftimie, Kevin J. Painter

Collective migration of cells and animals often relies on a specialised set of "leaders", whose role is to steer a population of naive followers towards some target.