Stochastic patterns of inclusions during tissue growth

Overview

Biological tissue growth involves the secretion of new tissue (extracellular matrix, collagen fibers) by cells. This secretion incorporates scattered inclusions such as proteins and minerals into the new tissue. During bone tissue growth, some of the tissue-secreting cells themselves become incorporated into the new tissue. The distribution of these embedded cells is believed to influence subsequent tissue growth processes.

Research activities

You will develop and simulate mathematical models of the generation of stochastic inclusions during biological tissue growth and investigate conditions leading to the formation of spatial patterns in the distribution of these inclusions.

Outcomes

As a result of these project we seek to further understand the formation of spatial patterns of tissue inclusions and the expected variance in such patterns generated by the stochastic model. This will help determine the likelihood of observing chance patterning in experimental samples.

Keywords

• mathematical modelling
• stochastic simulation algorithm
• pattern formation
• tissue growth

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.