A groundbreaking study from the University of Surrey has introduced a novel computer model that could significantly enhance our understanding of retinal development and regeneration. This research, which was presented at the IWWBIO 2025 conference and published in the Lecture Notes in Computer Science, aims to unravel the complexities of how the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, forms from a single type of stem cell.

The innovative model utilizes advanced agent-based simulations to replicate key stages of retinogenesis, the biological process through which identical progenitor cells differentiate into the six distinct types of neurons that constitute the retina. By employing the BioDynaMo software platform, researchers were able to simulate virtual cells that grow, divide, and make fate decisions based on genetic regulation, closely mimicking natural biological behavior.

Lead researcher Cayla Harris emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, “The beauty of biology is that complex structures can emerge from simple rules. Our simulations show how genetically identical cells can, through intrinsic bias and chance, self-organize into the retina’s highly ordered layers – a pattern that underpins how we see the world.”

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The study identified two specific models, known as the Reentry and Multidirectional models, which accurately replicated real biological data. These models suggest that retinal cells may determine their developmental fate through flexible genetic pathways rather than a rigid sequence, providing a new perspective on cellular decision-making in retinal development.

This research holds promise not only for understanding normal eye development but also for exploring the mechanisms involved in retinal diseases and regenerative therapies aimed at rebuilding damaged tissue. Senior author Dr. Roman Bauer noted, “Computational modeling gives us a powerful way to explore biological processes we can’t easily observe in real time. By simulating every cell’s decision and interaction, we can test hypotheses about how tissues like the retina form – and how to restore them when damaged.”

The implications of this research extend beyond basic science, potentially influencing future treatments for vision loss and advancing regenerative medicine. The study was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex biological challenges. Harris concluded, “We think that our research is a step forward in linking genetics, computation, and developmental biology to understand one of the body’s most complex neural structures.”