Table 1 Examples of basic in vitro and in vivo assays using Matrigel
Assay | Main uses |
|---|---|
In vitro assays | |
Invasion assay | Identify invasive cells, select for invasive cells, test therapeutics, identify genes important in invasion |
Tumor spheroid | Provides models for testing therapeutics and identifying genes affecting tumor growth |
Dormancy assay | Determine dormant state of cells and factors regulating dormancy |
Tube assay | Endothelial cells on Matrigel to quantitative factors/genes important in angiogenesis and to identify endothelial precursor cells |
Organoid | Study development, test factors regulating development, stem cell differentiation |
Aortic ring | Test factors and genes regulating angiogenesis (ex vivo assay) |
In vivo assays | |
Xenograft | Cell and patient-derived xenografts, increased take and growth, allows for models of human cancers to be studied for therapeutics in rodents |
Plug | Subcutaneous Matrigel for testing angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors |
DIVVA | Angiogenesis assay inside a plastic tube |