Figure 1

Relationships between analogues and MDCK cultures. To distinguish simulation components and characteristics from in vitro counterparts, we use small caps when referring to the former. An in silico epithelial analogue (ISEA) is comprised of autonomous CELL components interacting with adjacent CELLS and environment components. Interactions are governed by a set of axiomatic operating principles (rules). For each environment circumstance a CELL can encounter, there is a corresponding axiom. A clear mapping exists between ISEA components (CELL states and environment components) and in vitro counterparts. Following execution, interacting components cause local and systemic behaviors. Measures of CELL and system behaviors (growth rates, structure type, etc.) are the in silico attributes. Validation occurs when a set of ISEA attributes is measurably similar to a corresponding, prespecified set of in vitro attributes. Upon validation, we can hypothesize that a semiquantitative mapping exists between ISEA events and in vitro events, and that the set of in silico operating principles has a biological counterpart.