invasion assays
Oncology Assays
Invasion Assays
Cell invasion is a finely regulated processes that is critical in many normal physiological functions including embryonic development, wound repair and immune surveillance (Lauffenburger and Horwitz, 1996; Pollard and Borisy, 2003; Ridley et al., 2003). However, these dynamic cell movements are also crucial in cancer progression and metastasis (Hamidi and Ivaska, 2018).
Here at Cellomatics, we support a wide range of projects with a focus on cell invasion (and migration) utilising well established invasion assays.
3D Spheroid Invasion Assays
Principle
- Plate method (based on self-assembling tumour spheroids) which has great potential for invasion studies.
- Semi-quantitative: microscopy and image analysis calculate invaded area.
3D Spheroids and Invasion (HT-1080 cells - 24h)
HT-1080 (human fibrosarcoma cell line) cells were grown as 3D spheroids for 72 hours before embedding in Basement Membrane Extract (BME) for 5-10 days in the presence or absence of TGFβ. Images were captured with a brightfield microscope – 10X
3D Spheroids and Invasion (NIH/3T3 cells - 24h)
NIH/3T3 (mouse fibroblast cell line) cells were grown as 3D spheroids for 72 hours before embedding in Basement Membrane Extract (BME) for 5-10 days in the presence or absence of TGFβ. Images were captured with a brightfield microscope – 10X
3D Spheroids and Invasion (BEAS-2B and A549 cells)
BEAS-2B (Normal human bronchial epithelium) and A549 (human lung epithelial cancer cell line) cells were grown as 3D spheroids for up to 72 hours with/without embedding in Basement Membrane Extract (BME) to study their invasive properties. Images were captured with a brightfield microscope – 10X
3D Spheroid Invasion Assay - SH-5YSY (Neuroblastoma)
SH-5YSY (Neuroblastoma) cells were grown as 3D spheroids for up to 7 days with/without embedding in Basement Membrane Extract (BME) to study their invasive properties. Images were captured with a brightfield microscope – x10 and x4
SH-5YSY (Neuroblastoma) cells were grown as 3D spheroids for up to 9 days by embedding in Basement Membrane Extract (BME) in the presence or absence of Cytochalasin D (potent inhibitor of actin polymerization). Images were captured with a brightfield microscope – 4X
3D Spheroid Invasion Assay - SH-5YSY (Neuroblastoma)
SH-5YSY (Neuroblastoma) cells were grown as 3D spheroids for up to 8 days by embedding in Basement Membrane Extract (BME) in the presence or absence of Cytochalasin D (potent inhibitor of actin polymerization) in a 6-concentration response curve. Images were captured with a brightfield microscope – 4X
SH-5YSY (Neuroblastoma) cells were grown as 3D spheroids for up to 8 days by embedding in Basement Membrane Extract (BME) in the presence or absence of Cytochalasin D (potent inhibitor of actin polymerization) in a 6-concentration response curve. Images were captured with a brightfield microscope – 4X. Data analysed and plotted as total spheroid area (µm2)
Invasion assay in Human Fibrosarcoma HT-1080 and mouse fibroblast 3T3-LI cells (negative control). Cells were seeded into Corning Transwell™ inserts and were coated with Cultrex® Basement Membrane Extract. Cells seeded in serum-free media invaded towards FBS for 48hrs in the presence or absence of Cytochalsain D. Invasion assay showed that treatment with 2µM Cytochalsain D resulted in a significant decrease in invasion with highly invasive HT-1080 cells, as indicated in the relative fluorescent values (fluorescence enhancement when bound to cellular nucleic acids; more cells more fluoresence).
FAQ's
Cell invasion assays assess the ability of cells to migrate through extracellular matrix-like barriers, providing a measure of invasive potential.Â
These assays are used to study cell motility, response to chemotactic signals, and mechanisms underlying disease progression, particularly in cancer and inflammation.Â
Cells are placed in chamber-based systems where they migrate toward a chemoattractant or across a barrier, and the number or distance of migrating cells is quantified to assess motility and invasiveness. These assays are performed at Cellomatics using optimised transwell and imaging-based platforms, incorporating disease-relevant models and high-content analysis to generate robust and reproducible data.
Migration assays measure movement across a surface without barriers, while invasion assays require cells to traverse a matrix that mimics tissue structure. The latter provides a more stringent measure of metastatic potential.
They are essential for understanding metastasis, one of the key drivers of cancer progression. These assays help evaluate how therapeutic compounds influence tumour cell movement. Cellomatics integrates these assays with imaging and molecular readouts for deeper analysis.
Common formats include transwell systems, wound healing (scratch) assays, and matrix-coated inserts. Selection depends on the biological question and required resolution.
Request a consultation with Cellomatics Biosciences today
Our experienced team of in vitro laboratory scientists will work with you to understand your project and provide a bespoke project plan with a professional, flexible service and a fast turnaround time.
To request a consultation where we can discuss your exact requirements, please contact Cellomatics Biosciences.
