Mesenchymal-mode migration assay and antimetastatic drug screening with high-throughput microfluidic channel networks

Increasing evidence shows that activated mesenchymal migration is a key process of the metastatic cascade. Cancer cells usually gain such migratory capability through an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Herein we present a high-throughput microfluidic device with 3120 microchambers to specifically monitor mesenchymal migration. Through imaging of the whole chip and statistical analysis, we can evaluate the two key factors of velocity and percentage related to cell migratory capacity at different cell densities in culture. We also used the device to screen antimetastatic drugs for their inhibition of mesenchymal migration and prevention of metastatic malignancy. This device will provide an excellent platform for biologists to gain a better understanding of cancer metastasis. A high-throughput microfluidic chip with 3120 microchambers was used to monitor mesenchymal migration. Through imaging of the whole chip and statistical analysis (see picture), the percentage of migrating cells and the migration velocity were evaluated at different cell densities. The device was also used to screen drugs for their ability to inhibit mesenchymal migration and thus prevent metastatic malignancy.