Analyzing cell-cell interactions in 3-dimensional adhesion assays

The organization of cells is key to the proper formation and function of tissues and it appears to be dependent upon various intracellular and extracellular signals. These signals come from cell-cell interactions, as well as interactions with the surrounding extracellular milieu. In order to investigate these properties and interactions among cells, our lab utilizes and has developed several techniques that provide a 3-dimensional, in vivo-like environment for in vitro cell culture. In this chapter, we describe several techniques for isolating primary cardiac cells, including myocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. In addition, we discuss and outline an adhesion assay and an aggregation assay that can be used for numerous cell types, as well as a collagen gel assay for examination of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.