Effective in vitro models of directed cell migration, or chemotaxis, are necessary for both basic research and drug discovery. This application note describes a new methodology for studying chemotactic cell migration and invasion using the IncuCyte ZOOM Live-Cell Imaging system. This novel approach enables real-time visualization and automated analysis of chemotactic migration and invasion in a 96-well format within a tissue culture incubator.
By incorporating a made-for-purpose, optically clear membrane into a transmembrane geometry, the IncuCyte chemotaxis assay facilitates the label-free visualization and quantitation of directed cell migration and invasion. The design of the IncuCyte ClearView 96-Well Cell Migration Plate ensures a stable gradient over 72 hours and requires only 1,000–5,000 cells per well. In contrast to traditional Boyden-chamber methodologies, cells in the IncuCyte chemotaxis assay are required to migrate on a biologically relevant surface toward the chemoattractant. The result is 96 wells of reproducible kinetic data supported by images and movies, requiring very few cells and minimal hands-on time.
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