Building a multi-scale hybrid 3D computational model to explore the origins of Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Most of them are driven by atherosclerosis (AS) – a complex vascular disease that involves many cell types, lipids, and biomechanics. Currently, AS has no cure beyond a very early stage. The goal of this project is to further develop a model of early AS, which incorporates many of the key atherogenic processes. However, it can be further improved by
simulating lipid transport across the endothelial barrier, and modelling the migration of smooth muscle cells to the intima. These modules will be built with the high-performance BioDynaMo software created for agent-based modelling, which is the best approach for such a complex disease with multiple actors. By building a comprehensive AS model, the project aims to improve the understanding of subclinical AS and identify
new biomarkers for early diagnosis.

Supervisors: Mané Sarkissian, Jérôme Noailly