Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
In vitro Cell Migration and Invasion Assays
Published on: June 1, 2014
Cell migration and invasion assays
Aline Valster1, Nhan L Tran, Mitsutoshi Nakada
1Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at North Shore-LIJ, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
Abstract:
The processes of cell migration and invasion are integral to embryonic development and the functioning of adult organisms. Deregulation of these processes contributes to numerous diseases. Ras GTPases and in particular members of the Rho subfamily of GTPases play critical roles in cell migration and invasion. Here, we provide a collection of protocols to assay these functions. We describe two cell migration assays. The monolayer wound healing assay is very easy to implement, whereas the microliter-scale migration assay allows examination of cell behavior on defined extracellular matrices. We also describe two methods that allow the quantification of tumor cell invasion, a versatile transwell Matrigel invasion assay and an organotypic assay that examines the invasion of glioma cells through a rat brain slice.
Insights
This study details methods for measuring cell migration and invasion, crucial for development and disease. Protocols cover wound healing, microliter-scale migration, transwell Matrigel, and organotypic assays for Rho GTPase research.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cell migration and invasion are fundamental biological processes, essential for embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis.
- Aberrant cell motility is a hallmark of various diseases, including cancer metastasis and inflammatory conditions.
- Ras GTPases, especially the Rho subfamily, are key regulators of the cellular machinery governing cell movement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a comprehensive collection of experimental protocols for quantifying cell migration and invasion.
- To provide researchers with standardized methods to investigate the roles of GTPases in cell motility.
- To facilitate the study of disease mechanisms linked to dysregulated cell movement.
Main Methods:
- Monolayer wound healing assay for straightforward assessment of collective cell migration.
- Microliter-scale migration assay for analyzing cell behavior on defined extracellular matrices.
- Transwell Matrigel invasion assay for quantifying tumor cell penetration through a basement membrane-like barrier.
- Organotypic assay to evaluate glioma cell invasion within a 3D rat brain slice model.
Main Results:
- Established and validated protocols for assessing distinct aspects of cell migration and invasion.
- Demonstrated the utility of these assays in studying GTPase-mediated cellular functions.
- Provided a toolkit for researchers to investigate cell motility in various biological contexts.
Conclusions:
- The presented protocols offer robust and versatile methods for studying cell migration and invasion.
- These assays are critical for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying normal development and disease pathogenesis.
- This collection serves as a valuable resource for the cell biology and cancer research communities.
