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Stripe assay to examine axonal guidance and cell migration
Bernd Knöll1, Christine Weinl, Alfred Nordheim
1Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany. bernd.knoell@uni-tuebingen.de
Nature Protocols
|June 5, 2007
Summary
Stripe assays utilize silicon matrices to create molecular patterns for studying cell guidance. This method analyzes how growing axons and migrating cells respond to guidance molecules in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Stripe assays are established in vitro systems for analyzing cell and axon guidance.
- These assays investigate responses to guidance molecules in crude membrane fractions or purified forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide detailed protocols for original and modified stripe assays.
- To enable analysis of guidance molecule properties using these assays.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing silicon matrices to create striped molecular patterns ('carpets').
- Culturing neurons or other cell types on these molecular carpets.
- Observing neurite outgrowth and cell migration patterns after 1-2 days.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated striped outgrowth of neurites, indicating guided cell process migration.
- Successfully applied the assay to analyze guidance properties of various molecular preparations.
Conclusions:
- Stripe assays offer a robust method for studying cell and axon guidance in vitro.
- The protocols detailed facilitate research in neuronal development and regeneration.
- Assay preparation is efficient, with 10-12 carpets taking 4-5 hours.
