Simulating Growth Dynamics of Neurons on Substrates

We present computer simulations of neuron growth in which growth cones both create and are guided by growth promoter molecules which move diffusively. Our model predicts several features of the trajectories that are experimentally measurable, including arclength and curvature as functions of time. By comparing these predictions to time-lapse microscopy experiments of axon growth in a controlled environment, we gain new insights into neuronal growth and connectivity.