Description
Background: Cell migration is a highly integrated, multistep process that orchestrates embryonic morphogenesis, tissue repair and regeneration. It plays a pivotal role in the disease progression of cancer, mental retardation, atherosclerosis, and arthritis. The initial response of a cell to a migration-promoting agent is to polarize and extend protrusions in the direction of the attractant; these protrusions can consist of large, broad lamellipodia or spike-like filopodia. In either case, these protrusions are driven by actin polymerization and can be stabilized by extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion or cell-cell interactions (via transmembrane receptors). The ability of malignant tumor cells to invade normal surrounding tissue contributes in large part to the significant morbidity and mortality of cancers. Invasiveness requires several distinct cellular functions including adhesion, motility, detachment, and extracellular matrix proteolysis. Metastatic cells produce many proteolytic enzymes (e.g. lysosomal hydrolysates, collagenases, plasminogen activators) while the expression of certain cell surface protease receptors is also increased. CytoSelect Cell Migration Assay utilizes polycarbonate membrane inserts (8 mum pore size) to assay the migratory properties of cells. The 8 mum pore size is optimal for epithelial and fibroblast cell migration. However, in the case of leukocyte chemotaxis, a smaller pore size (3 mum) is recommended. CytoSelect Cell Invasion Assay utilizes basement membrane-coated inserts to assay the invasive properties of tumor cells. Each assay contains sufficient reagents for the evaluation of 12 samples