Multiscale Modeling Starting from Cell-based Models

Cells are a natural unit of abstraction for tissue morphogenesis. Cell-based theoretical models provide a platform for determining key elements of cell behavior responsible for multicellular and tissue phenomena, and for integrating molecular and tissue/organ scales. I will first offer an introduction to building a cell-based model with an emphasis on model validation, and illustrate this model building process using the cellular Potts model. Then in the context of tumor growth and angiogenesis, I will show how to integrate the cell based model with intracellular and tissue level dynamics, and develop a multiscale modeling framework.