In Vitro Cell Migration Assay

This method was performed as described previously^{17 (link)}. Cells (1 × 10⁶ cells per well) were plated on 6-well plates. Cells were cultured in medium containing 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA). A sterile 200 μl pipette tip was used to create a gap by scraping the cells. The migration process was monitored (after identification of each wounded zone) in six areas immediately and 48 h after wounds were made using an inverted microscope (Nikon TMS-F, 301655, Nikon, Tokyo, Japan) installed with a digital camera (Nikon Digital shot DS-L1, Nikon). Cell migration data were expressed as the ratio of the change in gap width divided by the initial gap width.