Methylation Inhibitors and Carcinogens in an Agent-Based Model for Colon Crypt Dynamics during Cancer Development

Cancer, (uncontrolled cell proliferation), has demonstrably high impact on human life: complex feelings and lifestyle changes, caused by malignancy, affect not only patients, but also family and friends. Cancer origin has been linked to genetic and epigenetic abnormalities that target stem cells. Here, we introduce an agent-based model for colon crypt dynamics, where the agents represent three cell types: stem, progenitor and differentiated cells. Additionally, we describe two test cases developed to analyse the influence of epigenetic inhibitors and carcinogens in tumour development. The focus is on the way in which DNA methylation patterns can be affected by de-regulations in cellular mechanisms in the colon crypt during cancer initiation and progression. Results to date have shown significant differences in average DNA methylation level for crypts, where epigenetic inhibitors have been temporarily or permanently present, in comparison to those with no such inhibitors. Considerable variation in methylation level has also been observed in systems affected by carcinogens, compared to those unaffected.