![]() The basement membrane that surrounds the follicular cells is a thin, non-cellular matrix that separates the epithelial monolayer from the underlying connective tissue. This cavity, or lumen, contains the colloid, a homogeneous non-crystalline substance consisting of large iodinated molecules of thyroglobulin (Tg) that constitute the thyroid hormone reservoir. It is a spherical structure composed of a single layer of epithelial follicular cells, the thyrocytes, resting on a continuous basement membrane and surrounding a central cavity. The functional unit of the thyroid is called the follicle. The two lobes are connected by a thin layer of median tissue called the isthmus. ![]() In humans, as in most mammals, the adult thyroid consists of two lobes (left and right) positioned anteriorly in the lower-neck region, close to the trachea. These hormones are crucial in human growth and development, particularly in young children, but also in regulation of basal metabolism ( 1– 3). ![]() The thyroid is a highly vascularised endocrine gland responsible for the synthesis of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and calcitonin. We anticipate that the use of in silico models like the one we describe can push forward the fields of developmental biology and regenerative medicine. Our study illustrates how constant discussion between theoretical and experimental approaches can help us to better understand the roles of cellular movement, adhesion and polarisation during thyroid embryonic development. Finally, our model also allowed epithelial cell polarisation and follicular lumen formation by endothelial cell abundance and proximity. Our simulations further showed that reduced epithelial cell adhesion was critical to allow endothelial invasion and fission of the multi-layered epithelial mass. Our in silico model, based on in vivo images, correctly simulates the differential growth and proliferation of central and peripheral epithelial cells, as well as the morphogen-driven migration of endothelial cells, consistently with our experimental data. Here, we developed and used a 2-D vertex model of thyroid growth, angiogenesis and folliculogenesis, within the open-source Chaste framework. ![]() Animal studies used to improve understanding of organogenesis are costly and time-consuming, with recognised limitations. However, the precise mechanisms and biological parameters controlling the transformation of the multi-layered thyroid epithelial primordium into a multitude of single-layered follicles are mostly unknown. Previous in vivo studies showed that, besides their nutritive function, endothelial cells play a central role during thyroid gland morphogenesis. Follicular organisation is unique and essential for thyroid function, i.e. In the case of the thyroid, organogenesis starts from the endoderm and generates a multitude of closely packed independent spherical follicular units surrounded by a dense network of capillaries. Organogenesis is the phase of embryonic development leading to the formation of fully functional organs. 3School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.2de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Woluwé-Saint-Lambert, Belgium. ![]()
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