Quantification of cell migration and invasion using the IncuCyte chemotaxis assay

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.

Read the application note.