TiSim

TiSim simulates growth and organization in multi-cellular systems by performing off-lattice agent-based simulations in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) environments.

Key Features:

• Agent-based modeling: Approximates individual cells as discrete agents with properties including isotropic elasticity and adhesion for simulating cellular interactions.
• Off-lattice simulation: Computes cell positions without a fixed lattice to capture continuous spatial rearrangements.
• Equation of motion: Integrates a dedicated equation of motion for each cell to model migration and mechanical interactions.
• Modular design: Organizes functionality into modules to configure simulations of virtual tissues.
• Real-time 3D visualization and VRML 2.0 support: Provides real-time 3D visualization and exports graphics using VRML 2.0.
• Parameter variability: Allows independent variation of cell and environment parameters to enable species- or scenario-specific simulations.
• Application scope: Supports simulation of growing monolayer cultures and avascular tumor spheroids in liquid environments.

Scientific Applications:

• Tissue growth dynamics: Investigates mechanisms of tissue growth and spatial organization in 2D and 3D contexts.
• Cancer modeling: Simulates avascular tumor spheroid growth and associated phenotypic interactions.
• Developmental biology and phenotype analysis: Explores links between single-cell behaviors and emergent multicellular phenotypes.

Methodology:

Off-lattice agent-based simulations that approximate cells as isotropic, elastic, adhesive entities and integrate a per-cell equation of motion; supports 2D/3D environments and VRML 2.0 visualization.