Optimization of synchronization experiments using a checkpoint-oriented cell cycle simulator

Abstract

Cell cycle synchronization at a specific stage is often an essential requirement to investigate biological events and mechanisms using the large panel of molecular and cellular biology technologies. Optimization of the synchronization parameters is most of the time neglected, which could result in experimental time wasting or even in erroneous conclusions. Here we report the development of a cell cycle checkpoint-oriented simulator, based on agent-based modeling (ABM), that reproduces the dynamic behavior of a proliferating cell population and its response to checkpoint activation.