No Country for Old Frameworks? Vertex Models and Their Ongoing Reinvention to Study Tissue Dynamics

Vertex models have become essential tools for understanding tissue morphogenesis by simulating the mechanical and geometric properties of cells in various biological systems. These models represent cells as polygons or polyhedra, capturing cellular interactions such as adhesion, tension, and force generation. This review explores the ongoing evolution of computational vertex models, highlighting their application to complex tissue dynamics, including organoid development, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. We examine different energy formulations used in vertex models, which account for mechanical forces such as surface tension, volume conservation, and intercellular adhesion. Additionally, this review discusses the challenges of expanding traditional 2D models to 3D structures, which require the inclusion of factors like mechanical polarisation and topological transitions. We also introduce recent advancements in modelling techniques that allow for more flexible and dynamic cell shapes, addressing limitations in earlier frameworks. Mechanochemical feedback and its role in tissue behaviour are explored, along with cutting-edge approaches like self-propelled Voronoi models. Finally, the review highlights the importance of parameter inference in these models, particularly through Bayesian methods, to improve accuracy and predictive power. By integrating these new insights, vertex models continue to provide powerful frameworks for exploring the complexities of tissue morphogenesis.