Work

Oncogenic transformation of tubular epithelial ducts: How mechanics affects morphology

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We derive a continuum mechanical model to capture the morphological changes occurring at the pre-tumoral stage of epithelial tissues. The mathematical model, derived from first principles, accounts for the competition between the bulk elasticity of the epithelium and the surface tension of the apical and basal boundaries. The variation of the energy functional yields the Euler–Lagrange equations to be numerically integrated. The numerical results reproduce a variety of morphological shapes, from invagination to evagination, depending on the ratio between bulk and surface energy at variance of the length of the section. In particular, using parameters independently measured, we are able to reproduce experimental data reported for a ring partially made of transformed cells.

Source: European Journal of Mechanics - A/Solids

DOI: 10.1016/j.euromechsol.2025.105984

Authors: D. Ambrosi, A. Favata, R. Paroni, G. Tomassetti

Institutions: Politecnico di Torino, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Pisa, Roma Tre University, Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo Mauro Picone

Language: English

Topic: Cellular Mechanics and Interactions

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,040