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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

In vitro Cell Migration and Invasion Assays
Published on: June 1, 2014
Vasoactive-intestinal-Peptide (vip) modulates early events of migration in human keratinocytes
Abstract:
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has been shown to affect the proliferative activity of human keratinocytes in vitro. In our present study, we investigated whether VIP affects early events of keratinocyte migration, i.e. the formation of pseudopodia-like protrusions and the zeta-potential which was assessed by the electrophoretic mobility (EM). Under optimal culture conditions (10% fetal calf serum supplement; FCS) VIP changed the total percentage of migrating HaCaT cells by increasing the Ki67-negative portion. Migration was maximally stimulated in the range of 10(-9) M VIP (+121.1%) and 10(-7) M VIP (+78.9%). Under suboptimal conditions (i.e. 2% FCS or serum free medium) low concentrations of VIP (10(-7) M to 10(-13) M VIP) decreased spontaneous migration up to 70%. The EM of pooled normal keratinocytes (0.59 +/- 0.018 mu/s/V/cm) was slightly increased by Phe6-Leu17-VIP and more markedly by VIP in a dose-dependent manner. Our observations suggest a modulatory effect of VIP on early events of human keratinocyte migration in vitro. These findings might be of importance for spontaneous migration within the epidermal compartment both under physiological conditions and in wound healing.
Insights
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) modulates human keratinocyte migration and cell surface charge. This peptide influences cell movement and pseudopodia formation, impacting epidermal processes and wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is known to influence human keratinocyte proliferation in vitro.
- Keratinocyte migration is crucial for epidermal homeostasis and wound repair.
- Early events in migration include pseudopodia formation and changes in cell surface charge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of VIP on early keratinocyte migration events, specifically pseudopodia formation and zeta-potential.
- To determine how VIP influences keratinocyte migration under varying culture conditions (optimal vs. suboptimal serum levels).
- To assess the impact of VIP on electrophoretic mobility (EM) as a measure of zeta-potential.
Main Methods:
- Human keratinocyte cell lines (HaCaT) and pooled normal keratinocytes were used.
- Cell migration was assessed by quantifying the percentage of migrating cells and Ki67-negative populations.
- Electrophoretic mobility (EM) was measured to evaluate changes in zeta-potential.
- Experiments were conducted under optimal (10% FCS) and suboptimal (2% FCS or serum-free) conditions.
Main Results:
- Under optimal conditions, VIP significantly increased keratinocyte migration, with maximal stimulation at 10(-9) M and 10(-7) M.
- Under suboptimal conditions, VIP (10(-7) M to 10(-13) M) decreased spontaneous migration by up to 70%.
- VIP dose-dependently increased the electrophoretic mobility of keratinocytes, indicating a change in zeta-potential.
Conclusions:
- VIP exerts a modulatory effect on early human keratinocyte migration events in vitro.
- VIP influences both cell movement and cell surface charge (zeta-potential).
- These findings suggest VIP's potential role in epidermal cell migration during physiological processes and wound healing.
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