Cell Migration Assay (8 µm)

Product details

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, 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).

ab325577 Cell Migration Assay (8 µm) kit utilizes polycarbonate membrane inserts (8 µm pore size) to assay the migratory properties of cells. The membrane serves as a barrier to discriminate migratory cells from non-migratory cells. Migratory cells are able to extend protrusions towards chemoattractants (via actin cytoskeleton reorganization) and ultimately pass through the pores of the polycarbonate membrane.

The kit does not require you to prelabel the cells with Calcein AM or remove non-migratory cells (i.e. cotton swabbing).

Any migratory cells are first dissociated from the membrane, then lysed and detected by the GR Dye.

The 8 µm pore size is optimal for epithelial and fibroblast cell migration. However, in the case of leukocyte chemotaxis, a smaller pore size (3 µm) is recommended.