Why study solid tumor invasion?

Visualize and quantify spheroid phenotypic changes over time with label-free, real time measurements of spheroid invasion for analysis of inhibitors of metastasis.

Figure 1. Kinetically monitor and quantify single spheroid invasive properties.  U87-MG spheroids embedded in Matrigel (4.5 mg/mL) in the presence and absence of MMP inhibitor Cytochalasin D (300 nM, Cyto D), imaged over 10 days. Note the extensive invasive phenotype of vehicle treated spheroids in comparison to Cyto D treated spheroids.

Investigate cell-type specific differences in metastatic potential of tumor cells by assessing spheroid growth characteristics (e.g. morphology and invasive potential).

Figure 2. Assess cell-type-specific invasive capabilities.  U87-MG, A172 and HT-1080 cells were seeded in ULA round bottom 96-well plates (2,500 cells/well; U87-MG, HT-1080 or 5,000 cells/well; A172) and allowed to form spheroids (3 days) prior to Matrigel^® addition (4.5 mg/mL). BF images and time courses of spheroid area (Whole Spheroid BF Area normalized to t = 0h or Invading Cell BF Area) show differences in invasive capacity across cell types. Invading cell area mask outline shown in blue, illustrates the extent of invasive capacity. Data were collected over 168 hours at 6-hour intervals. All images captured at 4x magnification. Each data point represents mean ± SEM, n=4 wells.

Figure 3. Effects of Matrigel^® concentration on spheroid invasion. HT-1080 cells were seeded in a ULA round bottom 96-well plate (2,500 cells/well) and allowed to form spheroids (3 days) prior to Matrigel^® addition at varying concentrations (1.13 - 4.5 mg/mL). BF images (7 day) show effects of Matrigel^® concentration on spheroid invasive capacity (A, whole spheroid area outline in yellow). Time course shows individual well Whole Spheroid BF Area over time (hours) and dependency on Matrigel^® concentration (B).

Produce uniform spheroids suitable for reproducible invasion assays using a lab-tested protocol in combination with fully integrated imaging and analysis for pharmacological analysis.

Figure 4. Reproducible, lab-tested single spheroid invasion protocol.  Easily generate spheroids of uniform size and perform invasion assays without the need to move to a secondary plate.

Automatically acquire, analyze and graph thousands of images from up to six 96-well plates in parallel and get to answers faster.

Figure 5. Guided interface is easy to use for even first-time users.  Automated image acquisition and analysis tools provide a ‘set up and walk away’ experience. View images remotely to monitor experimental progress and analyze in real time for rapid decision-making.