Conducting spatio-temporal simulation studies to analyze cellular dynamics provides ample challenges individually and even more so if simulation studies in terms of models, experiments, and results need to be put into relation across different scales, as will be required in the collaborative research center ELAINE (Electrically active implants). The goal of this project is to exploit domain-specific languages for addressing these challenges and to conduct two simulation studies that study cellular responses to external electrical fields at different spatial scales from membrane related dynamics up to cell functions like differentiation and cell-cell interaction. The impact of spatial resolutions on research questions and simulation results will be analyzed to relate modeling efforts of different simulation studies across spatio-temporal scales. The research will be conducted in close cooperation with other research projects in ELAINE, e.g., A02, A03, C01, and C04.

As part of the collaborative research center 'ELAINE' (electrically active implants) we use computer-based simulation models to study cellular responses to external electric fields. These simulation studies shall be executed and related to each other across multiple spatial and temporal scales. To facilitate the process of conducting and relating simulation studies to each other, we have develop, refined, and applied domain-specific languages for describing models and simulation experiments in project A01 (LaCE). Based on this work, this follow-up project will increasingly focus on simulation studies analyzing the influence of electric fields on cell functions, such as signal transduction, differentiation, proliferation and cell communication.

We consider mechanisms at the cell membrane as well as intra- and intercellular processes in bone, cartilage and brain cells that induce cell type specific growth and differentiation mechanisms. The project is carried out in close collaboration with other subprojects of the CRC ( A02, A03, C02, C03 and C04).