A survey on random walk-based stochastic modeling in eukaryotic cell migration with emphasis on its application in cancer

Abstract

Impairments in cell migration processes may cause various diseases, among which cancer cell metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and the disability of immune cells to infiltrate into tumors are prominent ones. Mathematical modeling has been widely used to analyze the cell migration process. Cell migration is a complicated process and requires statistical methods such as random walk for proper analysis. In this study, we reviewed the studies conducted on the random walk-based stochastic modeling of the eukaryotic cell migration. This statistical modeling can open some perspectives on more detailed modeling approaches and ultimately lead to more comprehensive knowledge about the biophysical and biochemical foundations of cell migration process.