https://sam.ensam.eu:443 The DSpace digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:37:55 GMT 2026-06-09T18:37:55Z http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17466 Mechanical modelling of confined cell migration across constricted-curved micro-channels ALLENA, Rachele Confined migration is a crucial phenomenon during embryogenesis, immune response and cancer. Here, a two-dimensional finite element model of a HeLa cell migrating across constricted-curved micro-channels is proposed. The cell is modelled as a continuum with embedded cytoplasm and nucleus, which are described by standard Maxwell viscoelastic models. The decomposition of the deformation gradient is employed to define the cyclic active strains of protrusion and contraction, which are synchronized with the adhesion forces between the cell and the substrate. The micro-channels are represented by two rigid walls and exert an additional viscous force on the cell boundaries. Five configurations have been tested: 1) top constriction, 2) top-bottom constriction, 3) shifted top-bottom constriction, 4) embedded obstacle and 5) bending micro-channel. Additionally, for the first four micro-channels both sub-cellular and sub-nuclear constrictions have been obtained, while for the fifth micro-channel three types of bending have been investigated ('curved', 'sharp' and 'sharper'). For each configuration, several parameters such as the cell behaviour, the covered distance, the migration velocity, the ratio between the cell and the nucleus area as well as the cell-substrate and cell-channel surfaces forces have been evaluated. The results show once more the fundamental role played by mechanics of both the cell and the environment. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17466 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z ALLENA, Rachele Confined migration is a crucial phenomenon during embryogenesis, immune response and cancer. Here, a two-dimensional finite element model of a HeLa cell migrating across constricted-curved micro-channels is proposed. The cell is modelled as a continuum with embedded cytoplasm and nucleus, which are described by standard Maxwell viscoelastic models. The decomposition of the deformation gradient is employed to define the cyclic active strains of protrusion and contraction, which are synchronized with the adhesion forces between the cell and the substrate. The micro-channels are represented by two rigid walls and exert an additional viscous force on the cell boundaries. Five configurations have been tested: 1) top constriction, 2) top-bottom constriction, 3) shifted top-bottom constriction, 4) embedded obstacle and 5) bending micro-channel. Additionally, for the first four micro-channels both sub-cellular and sub-nuclear constrictions have been obtained, while for the fifth micro-channel three types of bending have been investigated ('curved', 'sharp' and 'sharper'). For each configuration, several parameters such as the cell behaviour, the covered distance, the migration velocity, the ratio between the cell and the nucleus area as well as the cell-substrate and cell-channel surfaces forces have been evaluated. The results show once more the fundamental role played by mechanics of both the cell and the environment. http://hdl.handle.net/10985/15997 Simulating the Remodelling of Bone around Implants FRAME, Jamie C.; CORTÉ, Laurent; ALLENA, Rachele; ROHAN, Pierre-Yves Introduction Improper osseointegration of implants leading to poor mechanical anchoring or embrittlement of neighboring bone is a major concern in orthopedic surgery [1?]. This integration is known to depend on the complex interplay between the mechanical environment and the cell activity in the tissues surrounding the implant. In order to accurately predict the success of an implant a robust description of the remodeling behavior of bone is required. Building upon previous research modeling osteogenesis around implants [2] a mechano-biological Finite Element (FE) model is proposed to describe the remodeling processes involved when bone, cartilage and fibrous tissue are submitted to mechanical loads. Method In this work, we describe the mechanostat (the interrelationship between loading conditions and remodeling) of bone [1] by modelling the net effect of cellular activities at the tissue level. For that, we distinguish the immature tissues resulting from the early proliferation steps (growth and diffusion) from the mature tissues obtained after a consolidation of the extra-cellular matrix (mineralization for bone). In each elementary volume element, the creation of new (immature) tissue is dependent upon the level of applied strain and is described by a reaction-diffusion equation. Results Using these equations a simple cantilever cyclic bending simulation was created and loaded to recreate a range of physiological strains experienced during bone remodeling. Preliminary results for bone tissue only are presented in Figure 1. This shows the cantilever boundary conditions and maximum normalized shear strain distribution which produce the evolution of immature and mature bone tissues over time. As the Young’s modulus increases proportionately with the increase in mature tissue density the strain under constant loading conditions is observed to reduce, therefore altering the generation of new tissue types. The model proposed here may offer numerous perspectives as a predictive tool for implant design or for the new therapies against bone resorption. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10985/15997 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z FRAME, Jamie C. CORTÉ, Laurent ALLENA, Rachele ROHAN, Pierre-Yves Introduction Improper osseointegration of implants leading to poor mechanical anchoring or embrittlement of neighboring bone is a major concern in orthopedic surgery [1?]. This integration is known to depend on the complex interplay between the mechanical environment and the cell activity in the tissues surrounding the implant. In order to accurately predict the success of an implant a robust description of the remodeling behavior of bone is required. Building upon previous research modeling osteogenesis around implants [2] a mechano-biological Finite Element (FE) model is proposed to describe the remodeling processes involved when bone, cartilage and fibrous tissue are submitted to mechanical loads. Method In this work, we describe the mechanostat (the interrelationship between loading conditions and remodeling) of bone [1] by modelling the net effect of cellular activities at the tissue level. For that, we distinguish the immature tissues resulting from the early proliferation steps (growth and diffusion) from the mature tissues obtained after a consolidation of the extra-cellular matrix (mineralization for bone). In each elementary volume element, the creation of new (immature) tissue is dependent upon the level of applied strain and is described by a reaction-diffusion equation. Results Using these equations a simple cantilever cyclic bending simulation was created and loaded to recreate a range of physiological strains experienced during bone remodeling. Preliminary results for bone tissue only are presented in Figure 1. This shows the cantilever boundary conditions and maximum normalized shear strain distribution which produce the evolution of immature and mature bone tissues over time. As the Young’s modulus increases proportionately with the increase in mature tissue density the strain under constant loading conditions is observed to reduce, therefore altering the generation of new tissue types. The model proposed here may offer numerous perspectives as a predictive tool for implant design or for the new therapies against bone resorption. http://hdl.handle.net/10985/18596 A mechanical model to investigate the role of the nucleus during confined cell migration ALLENA, Rachele; THIAM, Hui; PIEL, Mathieu; AUBRY, Denis 1. Introduction Cell migration in confinement plays a fundamental role in biological processes such as embryogenesis, immune response and tumorogenesis. Specifically, tumor cells continuously adapt their migratory behaviour to their environment. Therefore, it has become timely and essential for diagnostic purposes to quanti- tatively evaluate the cell deformability in confinement. Here, we propose a two-dimensional mechanical model to simulate the migration of a HeLa cell through a micro- channel. We will evaluate both the invasiveness of the cell and the mechanical forces exerted by the cell according to the surrounding microstructure. Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10985/18596 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z ALLENA, Rachele THIAM, Hui PIEL, Mathieu AUBRY, Denis 1. Introduction Cell migration in confinement plays a fundamental role in biological processes such as embryogenesis, immune response and tumorogenesis. Specifically, tumor cells continuously adapt their migratory behaviour to their environment. Therefore, it has become timely and essential for diagnostic purposes to quanti- tatively evaluate the cell deformability in confinement. Here, we propose a two-dimensional mechanical model to simulate the migration of a HeLa cell through a micro- channel. We will evaluate both the invasiveness of the cell and the mechanical forces exerted by the cell according to the surrounding microstructure. http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17948 Group Creativity in Biomedical Engineering Education BOURGEOIS-BOUGRINE, Samira; SANDOZ, Baptiste; ALLENA, Rachele; DALLEZ, Barbara Aim: The present study focuses on a group creativity approach tested during a 5-day interdisciplinary seminar involving 12 members of the teaching team, a creativity facilitator and 87 students from various nationalities enrolled in 4 specialities of a Biomedical Master. Approach: 15 multidisciplinary teams of 5 to 6 students were formed according to their background and specialities. Questionnaires were used to assess students’ thinking styles and teamwork capability. Students were introduced to the six thinking hats technique and to an adapted version of Human Centred Design. During the creativity sessions, students were encouraged to think about things that have frustrated them lately, to find an idea, define what the problem is and “solve” it. The last day, students voted for each project in terms of originality, impact and feasibility. A jury of experts gave a mark (out of 20) to each project. Results: All the projects involved the development of a smart technical device to diagnose, detect, monitor, cure or prevent a health problem such as diabetes, sleep disorder, sudden death syndrome, snake bite, epilepsy, bed sore, posture or hormonal issues. Jury marks were positively correlated with the peer feasibility and impact votes but not with the originality of the projects. The dominant thinking style of the students was “Pragmatist” (42% of student with score ≥60). The team who received the highest number of votes and the highest jury mark (18 out of 20) included students with different thinking styles (Synthesist, Pragmatist, Realist and Analyst). The 6 teams in which there was at least one member with "Realist" dominant thinking style obtained 63% of peers’ feasibility votes. The lowest jury mark (14 out of 20) was awarded to the team including members with only 2 different thinking styles, "Synthesist" and "Idealist". Students with preference for "Synthesist" thinking style perceived their teamwork as less efficient. Conclusion: The approach used was well received by students and the outcome was very satisfactory. Feasibility and impact are favoured over originality by the students and their mentors. Teamwork seems to be influenced by the diversity of the thinking styles of the teams ‘members. The main guidelines developed to improve the teaching of creativity tools concern a) the composition of innovation teams: in addition to the diversity of backgrounds and specialities a more structured approach to form teams should involves measuring team member’s thinking preferences before forming a team and balancing it accordingly, b) thinking style awareness: it could be interesting that one identifies each strategic thinking to leverage strengths and to reinforce or modify those thinking styles. Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17948 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z BOURGEOIS-BOUGRINE, Samira SANDOZ, Baptiste ALLENA, Rachele DALLEZ, Barbara Aim: The present study focuses on a group creativity approach tested during a 5-day interdisciplinary seminar involving 12 members of the teaching team, a creativity facilitator and 87 students from various nationalities enrolled in 4 specialities of a Biomedical Master. Approach: 15 multidisciplinary teams of 5 to 6 students were formed according to their background and specialities. Questionnaires were used to assess students’ thinking styles and teamwork capability. Students were introduced to the six thinking hats technique and to an adapted version of Human Centred Design. During the creativity sessions, students were encouraged to think about things that have frustrated them lately, to find an idea, define what the problem is and “solve” it. The last day, students voted for each project in terms of originality, impact and feasibility. A jury of experts gave a mark (out of 20) to each project. Results: All the projects involved the development of a smart technical device to diagnose, detect, monitor, cure or prevent a health problem such as diabetes, sleep disorder, sudden death syndrome, snake bite, epilepsy, bed sore, posture or hormonal issues. Jury marks were positively correlated with the peer feasibility and impact votes but not with the originality of the projects. The dominant thinking style of the students was “Pragmatist” (42% of student with score ≥60). The team who received the highest number of votes and the highest jury mark (18 out of 20) included students with different thinking styles (Synthesist, Pragmatist, Realist and Analyst). The 6 teams in which there was at least one member with "Realist" dominant thinking style obtained 63% of peers’ feasibility votes. The lowest jury mark (14 out of 20) was awarded to the team including members with only 2 different thinking styles, "Synthesist" and "Idealist". Students with preference for "Synthesist" thinking style perceived their teamwork as less efficient. Conclusion: The approach used was well received by students and the outcome was very satisfactory. Feasibility and impact are favoured over originality by the students and their mentors. Teamwork seems to be influenced by the diversity of the thinking styles of the teams ‘members. The main guidelines developed to improve the teaching of creativity tools concern a) the composition of innovation teams: in addition to the diversity of backgrounds and specialities a more structured approach to form teams should involves measuring team member’s thinking preferences before forming a team and balancing it accordingly, b) thinking style awareness: it could be interesting that one identifies each strategic thinking to leverage strengths and to reinforce or modify those thinking styles. http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17462 A general method for the determination of the local orthotropic directions of heterogeneous materials: application to bone structures using µCT images CLUZEL, Christophe; ALLENA, Rachele To assess the degree (i.e., isotropy, transverse isotropy, or orthotropy) and the directions of anisotropy of a three-dimensional structure, information about its mesostructure is necessary. Usually, a topological analysis of computed tomography or microcomputed tomography images is performed and requires an interpretation of the constitutive elements of the three-dimensional structure, which may lead to a simplistic description of the geometry. In this paper we propose an alternative technique based on a geometric tensor and we use it to analyze 38 representative elementary volumes extracted from 24 specimens of cortical bone in a human femur whose geometries have been reconstructed via microcomputed tomography images. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17462 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z CLUZEL, Christophe ALLENA, Rachele To assess the degree (i.e., isotropy, transverse isotropy, or orthotropy) and the directions of anisotropy of a three-dimensional structure, information about its mesostructure is necessary. Usually, a topological analysis of computed tomography or microcomputed tomography images is performed and requires an interpretation of the constitutive elements of the three-dimensional structure, which may lead to a simplistic description of the geometry. In this paper we propose an alternative technique based on a geometric tensor and we use it to analyze 38 representative elementary volumes extracted from 24 specimens of cortical bone in a human femur whose geometries have been reconstructed via microcomputed tomography images. http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17059 A mechano-biological model of multi-tissue evolution in bone FRAME, Jamie C.; CORTÉ, Laurent; ALLENA, Rachele; ROHAN, Pierre-Yves Successfully simulating tissue evolution in bone is of significant importance in predicting various biological processes such as bone remodeling, fracture healing and osseointegration of implants. Each of these processes involves in different ways the permanent or transient formation of different tissue types, namely bone, cartilage and fibrous tissues. The tissue evolution in specific circumstances such as bone remodeling and fracturing healing is currently able to be modeled. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to predict which tissue types and organization can develop without any a priori assumptions. In particular, the role of mechano-biological coupling in this selective tissue evolution has not been clearly elucidated. In this work, a multi-tissue model has been created which simultaneously describes the evolution of bone, cartilage and fibrous tissues. The coupling of the biological and mechanical factors involved in tissue formation has been modeled by defining two different tissue states: an immature state corresponding to the early stages of tissue growth and representing cell clusters in a weakly neo-formed Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM), and a mature state corresponding to well-formed connective tissues. This has allowed for the cellular processes of migration, proliferation and apoptosis to be described simultaneously with the changing ECM properties through strain driven diffusion, growth, maturation and resorption terms. A series of finite element simulations were carried out on idealized cantilever bending geometries. Starting from a tissue composition replicating a mid-diaphysis section of a long bone, a steady-state tissue formation was reached over a statically loaded period of 10,000 h (60 weeks). The results demonstrated that bone formation occurred in regions which are optimally physiologically strained. In two additional 1000 h bending simulations both cartilaginous and fibrous tissues were shown to form under specific geometrical and loading cases and cartilage was shown to lead to the formation of bone in a beam replicating a fracture healing initial tissue distribution. This finding is encouraging in that it is corroborated by similar experimental observations of cartilage leading bone formation during the fracture healing process. The results of this work demonstrate that a multi-tissue mechano-biological model of tissue evolution has the potential for predictive analysis in the design and implementations of implants, describing fracture healing and bone remodeling processes. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17059 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z FRAME, Jamie C. CORTÉ, Laurent ALLENA, Rachele ROHAN, Pierre-Yves Successfully simulating tissue evolution in bone is of significant importance in predicting various biological processes such as bone remodeling, fracture healing and osseointegration of implants. Each of these processes involves in different ways the permanent or transient formation of different tissue types, namely bone, cartilage and fibrous tissues. The tissue evolution in specific circumstances such as bone remodeling and fracturing healing is currently able to be modeled. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to predict which tissue types and organization can develop without any a priori assumptions. In particular, the role of mechano-biological coupling in this selective tissue evolution has not been clearly elucidated. In this work, a multi-tissue model has been created which simultaneously describes the evolution of bone, cartilage and fibrous tissues. The coupling of the biological and mechanical factors involved in tissue formation has been modeled by defining two different tissue states: an immature state corresponding to the early stages of tissue growth and representing cell clusters in a weakly neo-formed Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM), and a mature state corresponding to well-formed connective tissues. This has allowed for the cellular processes of migration, proliferation and apoptosis to be described simultaneously with the changing ECM properties through strain driven diffusion, growth, maturation and resorption terms. A series of finite element simulations were carried out on idealized cantilever bending geometries. Starting from a tissue composition replicating a mid-diaphysis section of a long bone, a steady-state tissue formation was reached over a statically loaded period of 10,000 h (60 weeks). The results demonstrated that bone formation occurred in regions which are optimally physiologically strained. In two additional 1000 h bending simulations both cartilaginous and fibrous tissues were shown to form under specific geometrical and loading cases and cartilage was shown to lead to the formation of bone in a beam replicating a fracture healing initial tissue distribution. This finding is encouraging in that it is corroborated by similar experimental observations of cartilage leading bone formation during the fracture healing process. The results of this work demonstrate that a multi-tissue mechano-biological model of tissue evolution has the potential for predictive analysis in the design and implementations of implants, describing fracture healing and bone remodeling processes. http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17457 Cell nutriments and motility for mechanobiological bone remodeling in the context of orthodontic periodontal ligament deformation GEORGE, Daniel; ALLENA, Rachele; REMOND, Yves Bone remodeling is a complex phenomenon during which old and new bone is continuously removed and replaced. This phenomenon involves several processes at different length scales such as mechanical, biological, molecular, and chemicals. In the current work, we study the influence of the biological (cells) and molecular (oxygen and glucose) factors coupled with mechanical loads in order to predict bone remodeling for orthodontic treatments. A coupled theoretical mechanobiological model is proposed to extract the oxygen variation due to the deformation of the periodontal ligament leading to cell differentiation and activation. The mechanobiological stimulus is then calculated. The model is applied on a simplified two dimensional geometry to highlight the density variations and migrations of cells and molecular factors influencing the bone remodeling process. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17457 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z GEORGE, Daniel ALLENA, Rachele REMOND, Yves Bone remodeling is a complex phenomenon during which old and new bone is continuously removed and replaced. This phenomenon involves several processes at different length scales such as mechanical, biological, molecular, and chemicals. In the current work, we study the influence of the biological (cells) and molecular (oxygen and glucose) factors coupled with mechanical loads in order to predict bone remodeling for orthodontic treatments. A coupled theoretical mechanobiological model is proposed to extract the oxygen variation due to the deformation of the periodontal ligament leading to cell differentiation and activation. The mechanobiological stimulus is then calculated. The model is applied on a simplified two dimensional geometry to highlight the density variations and migrations of cells and molecular factors influencing the bone remodeling process. http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17055 Optimal bone structure is dependent on the interplay between mechanics and cellular activities FRAME, Jamie C.; CORTÉ, Laurent; ALLENA, Rachele; ROHAN, Pierre-Yves Bone is a tissue with the remarkable capacity to adapt its structure to an optimized microstructural form depending on variations in the loading conditions. The remodeling process in bone produces distinct tissue distributions such as cortical and trabecular bone but also fibrous and cartilage tissues. Although it has been demonstrated that mechanical factors play a decisive role in the architectural optimization, it may also follow that biological factors have an influence. This interplay between loading and physiology has not been previously reported but is paramount for a proper assessment of bone remodeling outcomes. In this work we present a mechanostat model for bone remodeling which is shown to predict the mechanically driven homeostasis. It is further demonstrated that the steady-state reached is innately dependent upon the loading magnitudes and directions. The model was then adjusted to demonstrate the influence of specific biological factors such as cell proliferation, migration and resorption. Furthermore, two scenarios were created to replicate the physiological conditions of two bone disorders – osteoporosis and osteopetrosis – where the results show that there is a significant distinction between the homeostatic structures reached in each case and that the tissue adaptations follow similar trends to those observed in clinical studies. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17055 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z FRAME, Jamie C. CORTÉ, Laurent ALLENA, Rachele ROHAN, Pierre-Yves Bone is a tissue with the remarkable capacity to adapt its structure to an optimized microstructural form depending on variations in the loading conditions. The remodeling process in bone produces distinct tissue distributions such as cortical and trabecular bone but also fibrous and cartilage tissues. Although it has been demonstrated that mechanical factors play a decisive role in the architectural optimization, it may also follow that biological factors have an influence. This interplay between loading and physiology has not been previously reported but is paramount for a proper assessment of bone remodeling outcomes. In this work we present a mechanostat model for bone remodeling which is shown to predict the mechanically driven homeostasis. It is further demonstrated that the steady-state reached is innately dependent upon the loading magnitudes and directions. The model was then adjusted to demonstrate the influence of specific biological factors such as cell proliferation, migration and resorption. Furthermore, two scenarios were created to replicate the physiological conditions of two bone disorders – osteoporosis and osteopetrosis – where the results show that there is a significant distinction between the homeostatic structures reached in each case and that the tissue adaptations follow similar trends to those observed in clinical studies. http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17458 The discriminant role of mechanics during cell migration ALLENA, Rachele Cell migration is a fundamental process involved in many mechanobiological phenomena such immune response, bone remodelling and tumorogenesis. During the last decades several numerical works have been proposed in the literature in order to unveil its main biological, chemical and mechanical principles. Here, I will show how a computational approach purely based on mechanics is able to reproduce cell migration in different configurations including migration under confinement, in presence of durotaxis and on flat substrates. A series of models will be presented each of which is based on three main ingredients: i) the active strains of the cell reproducing the cyclic protrusion-contraction movement of the cell (i.e. the polymerization and depolymerization processes), ii) the adhesion forces exerted by the cell on the surrounding and ii) the intra-synchronization between the active strains and the adhesion forces. I will show how mechanics play a critical role in determining the efficiency of the cell in terms of displacement, speed and forces. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17458 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z ALLENA, Rachele Cell migration is a fundamental process involved in many mechanobiological phenomena such immune response, bone remodelling and tumorogenesis. During the last decades several numerical works have been proposed in the literature in order to unveil its main biological, chemical and mechanical principles. Here, I will show how a computational approach purely based on mechanics is able to reproduce cell migration in different configurations including migration under confinement, in presence of durotaxis and on flat substrates. A series of models will be presented each of which is based on three main ingredients: i) the active strains of the cell reproducing the cyclic protrusion-contraction movement of the cell (i.e. the polymerization and depolymerization processes), ii) the adhesion forces exerted by the cell on the surrounding and ii) the intra-synchronization between the active strains and the adhesion forces. I will show how mechanics play a critical role in determining the efficiency of the cell in terms of displacement, speed and forces. http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17440 A Cellular Potts Model of single cell migration in presence of durotaxis ALLENA, Rachele; SCIANNA, Marco; PREZIOSI, Luigi Cell migration is a fundamental biological phenomenon during which cells sense their surroundings and respond to different types of signals. In presence of durotaxis, cells preferentially crawl from soft to stiffsubstrates by reorganizing their cytoskeleton from an isotropic to an anisotropic distribution of actin fil- aments. In the present paper, we propose a Cellular Potts Model to simulate single cell migration over flat substrates with variable stiffness. We have tested five configurations: (i) a substrate including a soft and a stiffregion, (ii) a soft substrate including two parallel stiffstripes, (iii) a substrate made of succes- sive stripes with increasing stiffness to create a gradient and (iv) a stiffsubstrate with four embedded soft squares. For each simulation, we have evaluated the morphology of the cell, the distance covered, the spreading area and the migration speed. We have then compared the numerical results to specific experimental observations showing a consistent agreement. Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10985/17440 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z ALLENA, Rachele SCIANNA, Marco PREZIOSI, Luigi Cell migration is a fundamental biological phenomenon during which cells sense their surroundings and respond to different types of signals. In presence of durotaxis, cells preferentially crawl from soft to stiffsubstrates by reorganizing their cytoskeleton from an isotropic to an anisotropic distribution of actin fil- aments. In the present paper, we propose a Cellular Potts Model to simulate single cell migration over flat substrates with variable stiffness. We have tested five configurations: (i) a substrate including a soft and a stiffregion, (ii) a soft substrate including two parallel stiffstripes, (iii) a substrate made of succes- sive stripes with increasing stiffness to create a gradient and (iv) a stiffsubstrate with four embedded soft squares. For each simulation, we have evaluated the morphology of the cell, the distance covered, the spreading area and the migration speed. We have then compared the numerical results to specific experimental observations showing a consistent agreement.