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Discrete Element Framework for Modelling Extracellular Matrix, Deformable Cells and Subcellular Components

Fig 10

Deformation of a single epithelial layer.

a) Control state ( = 1×10⁻¹¹ N/m, δ_BM = 0.3 μm, = 5x10^-10 N/m, δ_M = 0.2 μm). At 40% compression a single buckle emerges. b) By increasing the BM adhesion ( = 1×10⁻¹⁰ N/m, δ_BM = 0.4 μm) and using the same cell-cell adhesion parameters the buckling is suppressed. c) Reducing BM and cell-cell adhesion ( = 1×10⁻¹² N/m, δ_BM = 0.2 μm, = 5x10^-12 N/m, δ_M = 0.1 μm) causes the cell layer to cascade quickly and easily without any resistance. d) Increasing the BM adhesion and weakening the cell-cell adhesion ( = 5x10^-10 N/m, δ_BM = 0.2 μm, = 5x10^-11 N/m, δ_M = 0.1 μm) results in the budding of a cell from the layer of cells.

doi: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004544.g010