Mathematical Models of cell invasion types emerging from phenotypic and environmental heterogene

The building blocks of multicellular organisms such as humans are cells, vessels and protein fibers. Cell migrations are instrumental in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms (such as wound healing). Aberrant cellular migrations are important in many
pathological conditions, for instance in cancer. The majority of cancer related deaths (80-90%) are caused by spread of cancer cells to distant organs. This is called metastasis. The detailed mathematical modeling of cell invasions will allow us to better grasp the formation of
multicellular organisms as well as pathological situations such as cancer. In cancer a sophisticated mathematical model will enable us to target invasion with therapies. Model assisted therapies might enable us in the future to reduce metastatic loads in patients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Thomas Hillen

Student:

Andreas Buttenschoen

Partner:

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

University:

University of Alberta

Program:

Globalink