Invasion Assays Tumour cell invasion and metastasis characterize a multifactorial event in which cells migrate and then spread to distant site of the body. In the treatment of malignant diseases, invasion and metastasis are the most important factors contributing to a favorable prognosis of a patient. In-vitro models represent a promising tool in studying early steps in carcinogenesis and progression, including beginning of invasion.

Invasion Assay:
We investigate the invasive ability of cells using Matrigel-coated polycarbonate filters. Matrigel is a reconstituted basement membrane, which simulates the basement membrane in-vivo. Degradation of these matrix membranes is a feature of invasive cells and has been used in an attempt to understand the process regulating critical steps of tumor cell invasion. Our invasion assay is characterized by high reproducibility, low detection limits for migrated/invaded tumour cells and a high sample throughput. Thus, it is suitable for screening purposes of compounds with anti-invasive activity. Our technical excellence has been focused on human cancer cell lines derived from melanoma, colon carcinoma, breast and lung cancer.

Matrix-Metalloproteinases Assay:
For the quantification of tumour cell-mediated secretion of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) into culture medium, CellTrend uses an ELISA kit.