Award details

Modelling the mechanics of connective tissue cells, matrix and their interaction

Reference	BBS/E/S/00000494
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Mr David Bruce
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Silsoe Research Institute
Department	Silsoe Research Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	278,838
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2004
End date	30/06/2005
Duration	15 months

Abstract

In structural terms, tissue comprises cells embedded in an extra-cellular matrix. Cells interact with the matrix in a dynamic way, attaching, pulling, detaching, and moving. Certain types of cell generate significant force on the extra cellular matrix, and may also respond to mechanical stimuli by altering their internal structure, their shape and their behaviour. Through the extra-cellular matrix there is a mechanical connection between cells. The final structure of tissue generated by such cells is therefore mediated by the cell mechanics. Understanding of cell molecular biology and biochemistry has moved well ahead of cell mechanics. We will take a physics-based, mathematical modelling approach cell mechanics because of the need to understand and assemble models of individual mechanisms and behaviours at a range of scale. Validated models will allow therapies and research to be advanced more rapidly. This project involves collaboration with UCL Tissue Research and Engineering Centre at Stanmore, including use of their facility for studying cell mechanics. Mathematical modelling will allow the assembly of individual mechanisms and behaviours at a range of scale from intra-cellular to the scale of tissues comprising thousands of cells. The main approaches are the development of physics-based mathematical models of the extra-cellular matrix, particularly the response to applied load, such as that from cells in the contraction phase, action of cells by which they apply load to matrix elements, passive response of a cell to (a) simple applied load and (b) in a situation where the cell is embedded in a matrix that is being deformed by applied load, active response in isometric situation, i.e. where force but no strain is generated, active response in which matrix strain is generated, and modelling of mechano-transduction. There will be an ongoing theme of assembling the sub-models into a suite that has a predictive capacity.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Engineering & Biological Systems (EBS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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