Mathematical modeling of cell adhesion and its applications to developmental biology and cancer invasion

From the earliest embryonic stages to the complexity of the adult, the ability of cell populations to adhere to each other or the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) is of critical importance to the survival of the organism. During embryonic development, carefully regulated adhesion plays a fundamental role directing the various cell populations into the developing organs while maintaining strong adhesive contacts is essential in preserving the integrity and structure of the adult tissues. The manifest importance of cellular adhesion is exposed by its abnormal functioning in a wide variety of pathological conditions, including malignant cancer growth (e.g., [49]) and cardiovascular diseases (e.g., [40]).