Figure 1

Multiscale nature of the model. Schematic view of the multiscale nature of the model, composed of four different levels. At the genetic level we integrate the main genes involved in the evolution of colorectal cancer within a Boolean network and this results in cell cycle regulation signals. The response to these signals occurs at the cellular level, determining whether each cell proliferates or dies. Given this information, the macroscopic model the new spatial distribution of the cells is computed at the tissue level. The number and spatial configuration of cells determine the activation of the antigrowth signals, which in turn is input to the genetic level. Irradiation induces DNA breaks, which, in the model, activate the p53 gene at the genetic level.