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The Transwell Migration Assay

Overview

Cells migration in response to chemical cues is crucial to development, immunity and disease states such as cancer. To quantify cell migration, a simple assay was developed in 1961 by Dr. Stephen Boyden, which is now known as the transwell migration assay or Boyden chamber assay. This set-up consists an insert which separates the wells of a multiwell plate into top and bottom compartments. Cells whose migration is to be studied are seeded into the top compartment and the chemoattractant solution is placed in the bottom compartment. After incubation, counting the cells in the bottom compartment allows quantification of migration induced by chemoattractants.

This video will review the commonly used experimental set-up for cell migration studies. Then we'll highlight a few key considerations, and outline a generalized protocol for running an experiment involving adherent cells. Lastly, we'll review various adaptations of this set-up currently being used to study different factors that affect migration.

Procedure

The transwell migration assay is a classical technique that allows scientists to quantify cell movement. Migration refers to a cell's ability to move individually or in clusters. Cell movements are made possible through precise restructuring of their cytoskeleton and migration usually occurs in response to stimuli that act as cues.

Today, we'll discuss the transwell migration assay, which utilizes a simple chamber setup to assess migration in response to attracting cues.

We'll b

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Tags
Transwell Migration AssayCell MovementCytoskeleton RestructuringMigration CuesTranswell ChamberBoyden Chamber AssayPolycarbonate MembranePore SizeChemoattractantCell MotilityAdherent Properties

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0:00

Overview

0:42

Background on the Transwell Chamber

2:21

Experimental Considerations

3:43

Protocol for Measuring Migration of Adherent Cells

5:13

Applications

7:52

Summary

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