FAQ: Haptotaxis Assays

Q: What is the difference between your product #CBA-101-COL where collagen is pre-coated on the underside (bottom) of the membrane, and your product #CBA 111-COL where collagen is coated on top of the membrane?

A: These products assay for different processes – haptotaxis and cell invasion, respectively. We offer four different types of cell migration assays, and you can get more information on the various definitions here. Our assay #CBA-101-COL is designed to measure haptotaxis, where immobilized ECM proteins act as the chemoattractant toward which cells migrate. Our assay #CBA-111-COL is designed to measure cell invasion, which is a more complex process that involves cell migration, degradation of the ECM, proteolysis, and movement of cells through the ECM to neighboring tissues. In this assay cells must be able to express active proteinases such as MMPs in order to digest and move through (i.e. invade) the coating on the top of the membrane.

 

Q: Do the inserts need to be used all at once? 

A: Our haptotaxis assays are in a 24 well plate format that contains 12 individual and removable inserts and does not require all 12 assays to be completed at once.  Any unused inserts can be stored at 4ºC until needed and can be used with any 24-well sterile cell culture plate.

 

Q: Is it necessary to use serum free media?

A: It is recommended to resuspend the cells in serum free media in order to establish the chemoattractant gradient.  Serum contains many cytokines and growth factors and any serum present will act as a strong chemoattractant and mask the affect of the chemoattractant being tested.  It is fine to use a media other than DMEM.