Development of an Enhanced-Throughput Radial Cell Migration Device

Abstract

It is often desirable to evaluate the ability of cells to move in an unrestricted manner in multiple directions without chemical gradients. By combining the standard radial migration assay with injection-molded gaskets and a rigid fixture, we have developed a highly reliable and sensitive method for observing and measuring radial cell migration. This method is adapted for use on high-throughput automated imaging systems. The use of injection-molded gaskets enables low-cost replacement of cell-wetted components. Moreover, the design enables secondary placement of attractants and co-cultures. This device and its enhanced throughput permit the use of therapeutic screening to evaluate phenotypic responses, for example, cancer cell migration response due to drugs or chemical signals. This approach is orthogonal to other 2D cell migration applications, such as scratch wound assays, although here we offer a noninvasive, enhanced-throughput device, which currently is not commercially available but is easily constructed. The proposed device is a systematic, reliable, rapid application to monitor phenotypic responses to chemotherapeutic screens, genetic alterations (e.g., RNAi and CRISPR), supplemental regimens, and other approaches, offering a reliable methodology to survey unbiased and noninvasive cell migration.