An agent-based model of the Notch signaling pathway elucidates three levels of complexity in the determination of developmental patterning.

The signaling pathways within and between cells in our model interact in real time to create a spatially correct field of neurons and skin cells. This model predicts that cells with high N and low Dl drive the formation of the pattern. This model also be used to elucidate general rules of biological self-patterning and decision-making.