Computational models of VEGF-associated angiogenic processes in cancer

Math Med Biol. 2012 Mar;29(1):85-94. doi: 10.1093/imammb/dqq025. Epub 2011 Jan 25.

Abstract

Tumour angiogenesis allows a growing mass of cancer cells to overcome oxygen diffusion limitation and to increase cell survival. The growth of capillaries from pre-existing blood vessels is the result of numerous signalling cascades involving different molecules and of cellular events involving multiple cell and tissue types. Computational models offer insight into the mechanisms governing angiogenesis and provide quantitative information on parameters difficult to assess by experiments alone. In this article, we summarize results from computational models of tumour angiogenic processes with a focus on the molecular-detailed vascular endothelial growth factor-associated models that have been developed in our laboratory, spanning multiple scales from the molecular to whole body.

MeSH terms

  • Computational Biology
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / physiology
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Mathematical Concepts
  • Models, Biological*
  • Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic* / etiology
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / physiology
  • Signal Transduction
  • Systems Biology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / physiology*

Substances

  • HIF1A protein, human
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor