Methods for analysis of keratinocyte migration

Abstract

Reepithelialization of wounds involves several keratinocyte functions: proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The key step is keratinocyte migration, an essential aspect for understanding chronic non-healing wounds. Scratch wounding assay and cell motility assay are used to evaluate keratinocyte migration in vitro. The ability of keratinocyte migration is measured by the dynamic change of the wound closure area over time under a living-cell workstation. NIH ImageJ software is used to quantify the motility ability of single cell. The following protocols offer a general guideline for keratinocyte migration analysis.