Work

Exploring the role of EMT in ovarian cancer progression using a multiscale mathematical model

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a key role in the progression of cancer tumours, significantly reducing the success of treatment. EMT occurs when a cell undergoes phenotypical changes, resulting in enhanced drug resistance, higher cell plasticity, and increased metastatic abilities. Here, we employ a 3D agent-based multiscale modelling framework using PhysiCell to explore the role of EMT over time in two cell lines, OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3. This approach allows us to investigate the spatiotemporal progression of ovarian cancer and the impacts of the conditions in the microenvironment. OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3 cell lines possess highly contrasting tumour layouts, allowing a wide range of different tumour dynamics and morphologies to be tested and studied. Along with performing sensitivity analysis on the model, simulation results capture the biological observations and trends seen in tumour growth and development, thus helping to obtain further insights into OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3 cell line dynamics.

Source: npj Systems Biology and Applications

DOI: 10.1038/s41540-025-00508-y

Authors: Samuel Oliver, Michael Williams, Mohit Kumar Jolly, Deyarina Gonzalez, Gibin Powathil

Institutions: Swansea University, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore

Language: English

Topic: Mathematical Biology Tumor Growth

Subfield: Modeling and Simulation

Field: Mathematics

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,490