Cytoselect Cell Contraction Assay Kit

Background/Introduction: Wound healing is comprised of three processes: epithelialization, connective tissue deposition, and contraction. The contraction process is believed to be mediated by specialized fibroblasts called myofibroblasts. Three-dimensional collagen gels have been widely used to study fibroblast contraction, integrin signaling, cell apoptosis and cytoskeleton reorganization. Since three-dimensional matrix adhesions differ in structure, localization, and function from two-dimensional adhesions; and therefore, three-dimensional cell-matrix interactions may be more relevant biologically. The signaling mechanisms used by fibroblasts to regulate collagen matrix contraction depend on whether the cells are mechanically loaded or unloaded at the time that contraction is initiated as well as on the growth factor used to initiate contraction. For instance, stimulation of fibroblasts by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) but not by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) causes robust force generation in restrained matrices, whereas LPA and PDGF stimulate floating matrix contraction equally well. There are several different culture models to study the ability of fibroblasts to reorganize and contract collagen matrices in vitro. In the attached model, a polymerized collagen matrix containing cells remains attached to a culture dish during contraction. Mechanical tension develops during contraction, and cellular stress fibers assemble. The two-step model combines an initial period of attached matrix contraction leading to mechanical loading, followed by release of the matrices, resulting in mechanical unloading and further contraction as mechanical stress dissipates. In the floating matrix contraction model, a freshly polymerized collagen matrix containing cells is released from the culture dish and allowed to float in culture medium, and contraction occurs in the absence of external mechanical load and without appearance of stress fibers in the cells. CytoSelect 48-well Cell Contraction Assay Kit (Floating Matrix Model) provides a simple, in vitro system to assess cell contractivity and screen cell contraction mediators. The kit's proprietary Cell Contraction Plate eliminates the matrix releasing step of the conventional contraction assay, providing a faster, higher-throughput method to assess cell contraction. Each kit contains sufficient quantities to perform up to 48 assays in the provided 48-well plate.

Small volumes of CytoSelect Cell Contraction assay kit vial(s) may occasionally become entrapped in the seal of the product vial during shipment and storage. If necessary, briefly centrifuge the vial on a tabletop centrifuge to dislodge any liquid in the container`s cap. Certain products may require to ship with dry ice and additional dry ice fee may apply.

MBS169268 is an assay kit targeting CytoSelect Cell Contraction. Also known as CytoSelect 48-Well Cell Contraction Assay Kit.