Modelling the effect of subcellular mutations on the migration of cells in the colorectal crypt

Abstract

Abstract Background Many cancers arise from mutations in cells in epithelial tissues. Mutations manifesting at the subcellular level influence the structure and function of the tissue. In this paper we present a framework that allows the investigation of the influence of mutations such as subcellular knockouts and knockdowns on migration of cells within epithelial tissues. Results In particular we investigate how specific mutations may lead to the increase in numbers of cells in the epithelial lining of the colorectal crypt, which may lead to the eventual destabilisation of the structure of the crypt and the onset of colorectal cancer. Secondly, we present the computational tools th..