This project is to develop and apply novel discrete dynamic models to analyze and characterize the migration and proliferation of anchorage-dependent and contact-inhibited cells. These models are based on cellular automata and should accurately describe cell population dynamics during all stages of contact-inhibited migration and proliferation. Experimental efforts will focus on obtaining accurate values for the main model parameters: (a) cell division times, and (b) cell locomotory parameters, that will be measured by using computer-assisted analysis of endothelial cell locomotion. All experimental results will be systematically compared to model predictions to determine the predictive capabilities of the theoretical models.
