In vitro cell migration/invasion assays

Transwell assays were performed to assess cell migratory and invasion capacities using BD BioCoat Control Cell Culture Inserts and BD BioCoat BD Matrigel^TM Invasion Chambers, respectively [26]. Briefly, cells were seeded in the upper Boyden chambers of the cell culture inserts. After 24 h, the cells that had adhered to the lower membrane were stained with DAPI in the dark and then visualized and counted. Images of three random fields were captured at 200× magnification under a microscope. The number of cells on the bottom surface in each group was compared.