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In vitro Cell Migration and Invasion Assays
Published on: June 1, 2014
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In vitro cell migration and invasion assays.
Calvin R Justus1, Nancy Leffler1, Maria Ruiz-Echevarria1
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Oncology, East Carolina University.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|June 26, 2014
Summary
This study details two accessible cell migration assays: the wound closure assay and the transwell assay. These methods are crucial for quantifying cell movement in various research areas, including cancer biology and immunology.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Cell migration is fundamental to development, immunity, and diseases like cancer metastasis and inflammation.
- Accurate methods for examining cell migration are vital across diverse biomedical fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe two accessible and commonly used assays for measuring cell migration and invasion.
- To provide researchers with straightforward protocols for basic cell biology laboratories.
Main Methods:
- Cell culture wound closure assay: Quantifies migration by measuring the closure of a scratch in a cell monolayer over time.
- Transwell cell migration and invasion assay: Assesses cell motility and invasiveness towards chemoattractants using a transwell system.
Main Results:
- Both the wound closure and transwell assays provide quantifiable data on cell migration and invasion.
- These methods are adaptable for use with standard inverted microscopy and time-lapse systems.
Conclusions:
- The described cell migration assays are practical and effective for research laboratories with basic equipment.
- These methods facilitate the study of cell motility, crucial for understanding development and disease.
