Analysis of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Induced Cell Motility by Wound Healing Assay

Wound healing assays are well-defined and low-cost assays to study cell proliferation and migration rates of different cells and culture conditions as well as cell polarity, tissue matrix remodeling, and actin cytoskeletal structure regulation. The assay procedure generally involves growing a confluent cell monolayer and then creating a wound by scratching a line through the monolayer to destroy or displace certain cells. The open gap created by this wound is healed as cells move in and fill the damaged area. This wound healing process can take several hours to days depending on the cell type, culture conditions, and the width of the wound. The healing process is investigated microscopically over certain time intervals as the cells move into the open gap and close the wound.