Keywords

fibroblasts, collagen, contraction, myofibroblasts, lattices

Abstract

Two mathematical models for fibroblast-collagen interaction are proposed which reproduce qualitative features of fibroblast populated collagen lattice contraction in time. Both models are force based and model the cells as individual entities with discrete attachment sites however the collagen lattice is modeled differently for each model. In the collagen lattice model the lattice is more interconnected and formed by triangulating nodes to form the fibrous structure. In the collagen fiber model the nodes are not triangulated, are less interconnected, and the collagen fibers are modeled as a string of nodes. Both models suggest that the overall increase in stress of the lattice as it contracts is not the cause of the reduced rate of contraction. The reduced rate of contraction is due to an inactivation of the fibroblasts.

Original Publication Citation

Journal of the Royal Society Interface 11:20140598 (2014)doi: 10.1098/rsif.2014.0598