Cited by 0Extracellular vesicles in diseaseGlioma Diagnosis and TreatmentCancer Cells and Metastasis

Optimized Wound Healing Assay to Study Extracellular Vesicle-Driven Glioblastoma Cell Migration

Open access
D’Antonio, Concetta, Mantile, Francesca, Pocsfalvi, Gabriella, Liguori, Giovanna L.·2026·Methods and Protocols

Abstract

Cell migration is a fundamental process in cancer progression, playing a central role in tumor invasion and metastasis. This highly coordinated behavior is regulated by dynamic interactions between cancer cells and extracellular environment. Among the different tumor types, glioblastoma (GB) represents a particularly aggressive form of cancer in which enhanced migratory capacity is a key determinant of diffuse brain infiltration, tumor recurrence, and poor prognosis. In this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important mediators, regulating cell migration in several cancer types, including GB. EVs are lipid bilayer-enclosed nano- and micro-sized particles, containing various bioactive molecules that can target specific recipient cells, thereby modulating cellular properties, including the migratory behavior. Among the available methods for studying cell migration, the wound healing assay is the most widely used. Although simple, cost-effective and not requiring sophisticated equipment, its reliability and reproducibility can be affected by technical variability and the diversity of existing protocols. Here, we present an optimized protocol for executing and analyzing a cellular wound healing assay designed to assess EV-mediated migration in GB cells. The protocol incorporates the use of silicone culture inserts to enhance wound homogeneity and reproducibility, together with continuous Mitomycin C incubation to inhibit cell proliferation without inducing cytotoxicity, enabling specific assessment of cell migration. We outline a step-by-step description of the procedure, detailing all required materials and equipment and highlighting critical steps, checkpoints, and key parameters. This method provides a robust framework for reproducible wound healing assays to investigate EV effects on GB cell migration.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This protocol paper presents an optimized insert-based wound healing assay for studying extracellular vesicle (EV)-driven glioblastoma (GB) cell migration, using continuous 2 µg/mL Mitomycin C to block proliferation without cytotoxicity. Applied to U87 GB cells and NTERA2-derived EVs, it reports significantly reduced migration at 24 and 42 h and provides detailed checkpoints for reproducibility.

Key findings

  • Continuous 2 µg/mL Mitomycin C inhibited cell proliferation without significant toxicity up to 42 h; 4 and 6 µg/mL caused pronounced cytotoxicity, with most cells detached and floating, preventing measurement.
  • NTERA2 EV treatment significantly reduced U87 GB cell migration compared with untreated cells: 62.1% at 24 h (p = 0.0023) and 68.9% at 42 h (p = 0.0042), relative to 100.0% untreated.
  • Three NTERA2 EV batches showed an average particle size of 176.19 ± 7.37 nm and a particle-to-protein ratio of 1.92 × 10^8 ± 4.35 × 10^7 particles/μg; 10 µg/mL protein corresponded to an estimated 1.92 × 10^9 ± 4.35 × 10^8 particles/mL.
  • The optimized protocol uses ibidi silicone culture inserts to create a 500 μm wound, recommends 18,000 U87 cells per insert, and supports imaging at t0, 16, 24, and 42 h.

Methods

  • U87 GB cells were seeded at 18,000 cells per ibidi two-well silicone insert in 24-well plates; after 24 h the insert was removed to create a 500 μm wound, and cells were treated with GB Wound Healing Experimental Medium containing 2% FBS and 2 μg/mL Mitomycin C plus EV samples. Images were acquired at t0, 16, 24, and 42 h at 5× magnification, two fields per well, and analyzed in ImageJ for percentage wound healing and absolute rate of gap closure.
  • NTERA2-derived EVs were isolated by differential centrifugation at 10,000× g and characterized by Micro BCA protein assay, interferometric light microscopy (Videodrop), and previously by NTA, cryo-EM, and MISEV markers; EV treatments were normalized to 10 µg/mL protein, using three batches (two independent preparations and one pooled reference).
  • The assay was repeated at least three times with different cell and EV batches; statistical analysis included Student’s t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s HSD test.

Limitations

  • Paper-stated: the protocol was designed for NTERA2-derived EVs and U87 GB cells; Mitomycin C concentration may differ by cell line or batch and should be determined in advance; U87’s highly adhesive phenotype and the small insert area can amplify early seeding asymmetries; the EV dose reference is approximate because not all preparations were individually quantified.
  • Paper-stated: the particle-to-protein ratio as a purity indicator requires careful evaluation and can vary with EV origin and isolation method.
  • Evident from the text: validation is limited to one GB cell line and one EV source, with no independent head-to-head comparison against scratch or other migration assays reported in this paper.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/mps9030081

Cites

60 of 60 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

22 of 43 cited sources checked · 11 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Extracellular vesicles regulate cell migration in several cancer types, including glioblastoma.

    “In this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important mediators, regulating cell migration in several cancer types, including GB.”
    • Also stated in: § 1. Introduction · plain
      “EVs are key players in regulating GB pathological features, including cell invasiveness and migration [30,31,32].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [30] Liguori, G.L. (2024). Challenges and Promise for Glioblastoma Treatment through Extracellular Vesicle Inquiry. Cells, 13. source

      Section 3.2 reports that extracellular vesicles can alter glioblastoma cell migration in vitro, and Section 3.1 links EVs to invasiveness in tumors generally. The copy does not specifically establish regulation of cell migration in several cancer types beyond glioblastoma. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [31] Colangelo, T., Saponaro, A.A., Mazzoccoli, G., Serviddio, G., and Villani, R. (2025). Emerging Frontiers in Neuro-Oncology: Insights into Extracellular Vesicle-Driven Tumor Mechanisms and Nanotherapeutic Strategies. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 26. source

      Section 4.1 (page unavailable) says GBM-derived EVs enhance invasiveness, supporting a role in glioblastoma cell migration. The passages found do not establish that EVs regulate cell migration in several cancer types; that broader part of the claim is unsupported by our copy. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [32] Tatode, 2026, Glioblastoma Exosomes Reprogramming the Tumor Microenvironment and Evading Therapeutic Challenges, Mol. Biol. Rep. source
  • Study design and conductcitation

    Continuous Mitomycin C incubation does not induce cytotoxicity.

    “without inducing cytotoxicity, enabling specific assessment of cell migration.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [43] Mantile, F., Kisovec, M., Adamo, G., Romancino, D.P., Hočevar, M., Božič, D., Bedina Zavec, A., Podobnik, M., Stoppelli, M.P., and Kisslinger, A. (2022). A Novel Localization in Human Large Extracellular Vesicles for the EGF-CFC Founder Member CRIPTO and Its Biological and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers, 14. source

      The Wound Healing Assay methods (§2.9; page unavailable) say that 2 μg/mL mitomycin C was present to inhibit proliferation while cell migration was assessed. They do not report whether that incubation was cytotoxic; the viability results (§3.2; page unavailable) concern extracellular vesicles, not mitomycin C. Searched for mitomycin C and cell viability or cytotoxicity. (LLM, conf=0.76)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    The reliability and reproducibility of the wound healing assay can be severely impacted by many factors if they are not adequately controlled.

    “several articles highlight an increasing number of factors that can severely impact the reliability and reproducibility of the assay, if they are not adequately controlled [38,39,40,41,42]”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim3 of 5 sources checked
    • cites [38] Yang, C., Yin, D., Zhang, H., Badea, I., Yang, S.M., and Zhang, W. (2024). Cell Migration Assays and Their Application to Wound Healing Assays—A Critical Review. Micromachines, 15. source
    • cites [39] Oldenburg, J., Maletzki, L., Strohbach, A., Bellé, P., Siewert, S., Busch, R., Felix, S.B., Schmitz, K., and Stiehm, M. (2021). Methodology for Comprehensive Cell-Level Analysis of Wound Healing Experiments Using Deep Learning in MATLAB. BMC Mol. Cell Biol., 22. source
    • cites [40] Planz, 2018, Establishment of a Cell-Based Wound Healing Assay for Bio-Relevant Testing of Wound Therapeutics, J. Pharmacol. Toxicol. Methods source
    • cites [41] Sarro, 2019, In Vitro Cell Migration Quantification Method for Scratch Assays, J. R. Soc. Interface source
    • cites [42] Potaliya, 2024, In-Vitro Wound Healing Assays: A Comprehensive Review, Mymensingh Med. J.
  • Premisecitation

    Protocols involving extracellular vesicles and glioblastoma cells are particularly poorly validated.

    “with protocols involving EVs and GB cells being particularly poorly validated.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim3 of 5 sources checked
    • cites [38] Yang, C., Yin, D., Zhang, H., Badea, I., Yang, S.M., and Zhang, W. (2024). Cell Migration Assays and Their Application to Wound Healing Assays—A Critical Review. Micromachines, 15. source

      The Discussion, §3.1, describes consistency problems in cell-migration assays generally, but does not assess validation of protocols involving extracellular vesicles or glioblastoma cells. Searches for those terms and for protocol validation found only an extracellular-vesicles title in the References, not the claimed comparison. (LLM, conf=0.74)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [39] Oldenburg, J., Maletzki, L., Strohbach, A., Bellé, P., Siewert, S., Busch, R., Felix, S.B., Schmitz, K., and Stiehm, M. (2021). Methodology for Comprehensive Cell-Level Analysis of Wound Healing Experiments Using Deep Learning in MATLAB. BMC Mol. Cell Biol., 22. source

      The Methods (Wound healing experiments; page unavailable) describe assays using human coronary artery endothelial cells, while the Conclusions discuss limitations of wound-healing image analysis. A Discussion passage mentions glioblastoma cells only as a segmentation benchmark. Searches for extracellular vesicles and poorly validated EV or glioblastoma protocols found no passage addressing the claim. (LLM, conf=0.76)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [40] Planz, 2018, Establishment of a Cell-Based Wound Healing Assay for Bio-Relevant Testing of Wound Therapeutics, J. Pharmacol. Toxicol. Methods source
    • cites [41] Sarro, 2019, In Vitro Cell Migration Quantification Method for Scratch Assays, J. R. Soc. Interface source

      The Introduction (p. 1) says scratch assays lack a standard method for quantifying cell migration, but it does not single out extracellular-vesicle or glioblastoma-cell protocols. Searches for those terms and for their abbreviations found no passage addressing whether such protocols are particularly poorly validated. (LLM, conf=0.76)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [42] Potaliya, 2024, In-Vitro Wound Healing Assays: A Comprehensive Review, Mymensingh Med. J.
  • Study design and conductcitation

    Continuous Mitomycin C incubation inhibits cell proliferation.

    “continuous Mitomycin C incubation to inhibit cell proliferation without inducing”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [43] Mantile, F., Kisovec, M., Adamo, G., Romancino, D.P., Hočevar, M., Božič, D., Bedina Zavec, A., Podobnik, M., Stoppelli, M.P., and Kisslinger, A. (2022). A Novel Localization in Human Large Extracellular Vesicles for the EGF-CFC Founder Member CRIPTO and Its Biological and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers, 14. source
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 24
  • May combine two claims. 10
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    The ratio of our extracellular vesicle batches aligns with the ratio reported for large extracellular vesicle fractions of similar size isolated from breast cancer cell lines.

    “The ratio of our EV batches aligns with the ratio reported for large EV fractions of a similar size isolated from breast cancer cell lines, either after 16,500× g sedimentation alone or followed by density cushion centrifugation [53].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [53] Lischnig, 2022, Quantitative Proteomics Identifies Proteins Enriched in Large and Small Extracellular Vesicles, Mol. Cell. Proteom. source
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The identity of the extracellular vesicles was confirmed by showing they possessed specific positive markers CD63 and HSP70, while lacking the negative marker Calnexin.

    “The identity of the EVs was confirmed by showing they possessed specific positive markers, such as the CD63 membrane-bound marker and the HSP70 luminal marker, while lacking negative markers specific of intracellular compartments (Calnexin) [43].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [43] Mantile, F., Kisovec, M., Adamo, G., Romancino, D.P., Hočevar, M., Božič, D., Bedina Zavec, A., Podobnik, M., Stoppelli, M.P., and Kisslinger, A. (2022). A Novel Localization in Human Large Extracellular Vesicles for the EGF-CFC Founder Member CRIPTO and Its Biological and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers, 14. source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The Videodrop system detects nanoparticles in solution by analyzing the interference pattern generated by light scattered by each particle, enabling real-time tracking of their Brownian motion.

    “The Videodrop system detects nanoparticles in solution by analyzing the interference pattern generated by light scattered by each particle, enabling real-time tracking of their Brownian motion.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [52] Romolo, A., Jan, Z., Zavec, A.B., Kisovec, M., Arrigler, V., Spasovski, V., Pocsfalvi, G., Kogej, K., and Kralj-Iglič, V. (2022). Assessment of Small Cellular Particles from Four Different Natural Sources and Liposomes by Interferometric Light Microscopy. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 23. source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The core methodology was first established in a previous study on the effect of NTERA2 teratocarcinoma-derived extracellular vesicles on U87 glioblastoma cell migration.

    “The core methodology was first established in our previous study on the effect of NTERA2 teratocarcinoma-derived EVs on the U87 GB cell migration [43]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [43] Mantile, F., Kisovec, M., Adamo, G., Romancino, D.P., Hočevar, M., Božič, D., Bedina Zavec, A., Podobnik, M., Stoppelli, M.P., and Kisslinger, A. (2022). A Novel Localization in Human Large Extracellular Vesicles for the EGF-CFC Founder Member CRIPTO and Its Biological and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers, 14. source
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Extracellular vesicle isolation and characterization were performed according to MISEV 2018 and 2023.

    “EV isolation and characterization were performed according to MISEV 2018 and 2023 [49,50], as previously reported [43].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim3 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [49] Witwer, 2018, Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018): A Position Statement of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and Update of the MISEV2014 Guidelines, J. Extracell. Vesicles source
    • cites [50] Welsh, 2023, Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (MISEV2023): From Basic to Advanced Approaches, J. Extracell. Vesicles source
    • cites [43] Mantile, F., Kisovec, M., Adamo, G., Romancino, D.P., Hočevar, M., Božič, D., Bedina Zavec, A., Podobnik, M., Stoppelli, M.P., and Kisslinger, A. (2022). A Novel Localization in Human Large Extracellular Vesicles for the EGF-CFC Founder Member CRIPTO and Its Biological and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers, 14. source

      Materials and Methods §2.2 describes EV isolation by differential centrifugation, and §2.11 says the study followed MISEV2018. Results §3.1 describes EV characterization using markers recommended by MISEV2018. The source does not support the attributed reference to MISEV 2023. (LLM, conf=0.90)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The particle-to-protein ratio has been proposed as an indicator for estimating the purity of EV preparations, although its applicability requires careful evaluation since expected ratios can vary depending on factors such as EV origin and isolation method.

    “The particle-to-protein ratio has been proposed as an indicator for estimating the purity of EV preparations [60], although its applicability requires careful evaluation [49,50], since expected ratios can vary depending on multiple factors, such as EV origin and isolation method.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim3 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [60] Webber, 2013, How Pure Are Your Vesicles?, J. Extracell. Vesicles source
    • cites [49] Witwer, 2018, Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018): A Position Statement of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and Update of the MISEV2014 Guidelines, J. Extracell. Vesicles source

      Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [50] Welsh, 2023, Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (MISEV2023): From Basic to Advanced Approaches, J. Extracell. Vesicles source

      Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Trypan Blue staining at the end of treatment confirmed that 2 μg/mL Mitomycin C effectively blocked cell division without causing significant toxicity.

    “Trypan Blue staining at the end of the treatment confirmed that 4 and 6 µg/mL Mitomycin C were highly cytotoxic, whereas 2 µg/mL effectively blocked cell division without causing significant toxicity (Figure 4B).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    U87 cells do not migrate as a compact front but rather independently, so the distance between the two fronts can be extremely heterogeneous.

    “This is particularly true when cells do not migrate as a compact front but rather independently, as in the case with U87 cells, meaning that the distance between the two fronts can be extremely heterogeneous.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Batch 2 had a higher relative standard deviation (37%) compared to Batch 1 (22%) and Batch 3 (12%), indicating greater uncertainty in particle concentration per μg.

    “Batch 2 had a higher relative standard deviation (37%) compared to Batch 1 (22%) and Batch 3 (12%), indicating greater uncertainty in particle concentration per µg.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The protocol presented here has been further refined to ensure higher reproducibility and detailed quantification.

    “The protocol presented here has been further refined to ensure higher reproducibility and detailed quantification.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    NTERA2 cells can locate and target glioma neoplasms in mouse models, particularly following retinoic acid treatment.

    “NTERA2 teratocarcinoma cells closely resemble neural stem/progenitor cells, as they are capable of differentiating into glia and neurons, and of locating and targeting glioma neoplasms in mouse models, particularly following treatment with retinoic acid [45,46,47,48].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [45] Andrews, 1998, Teratocarcinomas and Human Embryology: Pluripotent Human EC Cell Lines. Review Article, Apmis source
    • cites [46] Ahmed, 2011, The Use of Neural Stem Cells in Cancer Gene Therapy: Predicting the Path to the Clinic, Curr. Opin. Mol. Ther.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [47] Attia, 2019, Cationic Niosome-Based HBMP7 Gene Transfection of Neuronal Precursor NT2 Cells to Reduce the Migration of Glioma Cells in Vitro, J. Drug Deliv. Sci. Technol. source
    • cites [48] Zhao, 2010, Human NT2 Neural Precursor-Derived Tumor-Infiltrating Cells as Delivery Vehicles for Treatment of Glioblastoma, Hum. Gene Ther. source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Quantifying wound closure based on the total gap, calculated by summing the area of both imaging fields, minimizes potential bias caused by spatial heterogeneity.

    “Quantify wound closure based on the total gap, calculated by summing the area of both imaging fields to minimize potential bias caused by spatial heterogeneity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This formalized protocol provides a valuable tool to support the reproducibility of the experiments, while ensuring quality assurance of procedures and quality control of data.

    “This formalized protocol provides a valuable tool to support the reproducibility of the experiments, while ensuring quality assurance of procedures and quality control of data.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    In our study, cell samples were excluded when the total wound area at t0, calculated across two imaging fields, deviated by more than 10% from the corresponding expected value.

    “In our study, cell samples were excluded when the total wound area at t0, calculated across two imaging fields, deviated by more than 10% from the corresponding expected value.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    NTERA2 cells are capable of differentiating into glia and neurons.

    “NTERA2 teratocarcinoma cells closely resemble neural stem/progenitor cells, as they are capable of differentiating into glia and neurons, and of locating and targeting glioma neoplasms in mouse models, particularly following treatment with retinoic acid [45,46,47,48].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [45] Andrews, 1998, Teratocarcinomas and Human Embryology: Pluripotent Human EC Cell Lines. Review Article, Apmis source
    • cites [46] Ahmed, 2011, The Use of Neural Stem Cells in Cancer Gene Therapy: Predicting the Path to the Clinic, Curr. Opin. Mol. Ther.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [47] Attia, 2019, Cationic Niosome-Based HBMP7 Gene Transfection of Neuronal Precursor NT2 Cells to Reduce the Migration of Glioma Cells in Vitro, J. Drug Deliv. Sci. Technol. source
    • cites [48] Zhao, 2010, Human NT2 Neural Precursor-Derived Tumor-Infiltrating Cells as Delivery Vehicles for Treatment of Glioblastoma, Hum. Gene Ther. source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The wound healing assay is one of the most frequently used methods for studying cell migration.

    “The wound healing assay remains one of the most frequently used methods for studying cell migration [37].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [37] Liang, 2007, In Vitro Scratch Assay: A Convenient and Inexpensive Method for Analysis of Cell Migration in Vitro, Nat. Protoc. source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Cells were maintained at low passage number (<3 passages post-thawing) for all assays.

    “Cells were maintained at low passage number (<3 passages post-thawing) for all assays.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This approach provides a rapid, label-free assessment of extracellular vesicle concentration and size distribution, with high reproducibility and without requiring sample fixation or additional processing.

    “This approach provides a rapid, label-free assessment of EV concentration and size distribution, with high reproducibility and without requiring sample fixation or additional processing.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Continuous incubation with 2 μg/mL Mitomycin C for up to 42 h effectively inhibits proliferation without affecting viability or migration.

    “Overall, continuous incubation with 2 µg/mL Mitomycin C for up to 42 h effectively inhibits proliferation without affecting viability or migration, making this condition suitable for wound healing assays of at least 42 h duration.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    For each acquisition, a minimum of 300 particles were tracked to ensure robust estimation of particle parameters.

    “For each acquisition, a minimum of 300 particles were tracked to ensure robust estimation of particle parameters.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Due to the reduced surface area of the insert, early asymmetries may become increasingly evident during wound closure, particularly under treatment.

    “Due to the reduced surface area of the insert, these early asymmetries may become increasingly evident during wound closure, particularly under treatment”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: U87 GB cells have a highly adhesive phenotype, making them especially sensitive to minor variations during seeding.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    The protocol can be readily adapted to other GB cell lines and/or adherent tumor cell cultures, provided that critical process parameters are appropriately identified and described.

    “Furthermore, it can be readily adapted to other GB cell lines and/or adherent tumor cell cultures, provided that critical process parameters are appropriately identified and described.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    Different EV subtypes and fractions may require specific dose optimization due to heterogeneity in size, particle-to-protein ratio, physicochemical properties, molecular content, and functional activity, as well as in isolation and characterization methods.

    “Different EV subtypes and fractions may require specific dose optimization due to heterogeneity in size, particle-to-protein ratio, physicochemical properties, molecular content, and functional activity, as well as in isolation and characterization methods.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    EV concentrations above 20 μg/mL protein may lead to EV aggregation, which can affect EV uptake and subsequent phenotypic responses.

    “Concentrations below this range may be insufficient to produce a reproducible and stable effect, while concentrations above this range may lead to EV aggregation, which can affect EV uptake and subsequent phenotypic responses.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Pooling multiple EV preparations provides a more representative sample of the overall population.

    “Using individual EV preparations enables precise assessment of batch-specific properties, whereas pooling multiple EV preparations provides a more representative sample of the overall population.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    All EV treatments were normalized based on protein concentration (10 μg/mL).

    “All EV treatments were normalized based on protein concentration (10 µg/mL), with nanoparticle measurements performed for selected batches (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Not all of the EV preparations included in this protocol have been individually quantified.

    “This value should be considered an approximate average, since not all of the preparations included in this protocol have been individually quantified.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    EV concentrations below 5 μg/mL protein may be insufficient to produce a reproducible and stable effect.

    “Concentrations below this range may be insufficient to produce a reproducible and stable effect, while concentrations above this range may lead to EV aggregation, which can affect EV uptake and subsequent phenotypic responses.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Using ibidi silicone culture inserts creates more homogeneous and reproducible gaps without damaging cells or activating a cellular program that could interfere with measurement of cell migration.

    “This approach has the important advantage of creating more homogeneous and reproducible gaps, without damaging the cells or activating a cellular program that could interfere with the measurement of cell migration.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The scratch assay has low reproducibility of the scratch, resulting in heterogeneous wound areas and affecting reliability and reproducibility.
    • Rests on an assumption: The scratch may cause damage to cells at the edge of the wound, affecting cell migration and introducing variability.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The reduced insert size and well-defined outer edge facilitate spatial referencing under manual, non-motorized acquisition.

    “Last, but not least, the reduced insert size and well-defined outer edge of the insert facilitate spatial referencing, particularly under manual, non-motorized acquisition settings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The protocol includes all the necessary details for full replication, as well as guidance on identifying and accounting for potential sources of experimental failure.

    “The protocol includes all the necessary details for full replication, as well as guidance on identifying and accounting for potential sources of experimental failure.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
31 of 31
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis, largely due to highly infiltrative glioblastoma cells that hamper complete surgical removal and increase relapse likelihood.

    “Glioblastoma (GB) is an aggressive brain tumor with a poor prognosis, largely due to the highly infiltrative nature of GB cells, which hampers complete surgical removal and increases the likelihood of relapse.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Irregular wounds can affect the reproducibility of the wound healing assay.

    “Irregular wounds might affect the reproducibility of the assay.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The optimal Mitomycin C concentration to inhibit cell proliferation without causing cytotoxicity differs for each cell line.

    “The concentration of Mitomycin C to be used in the Experimental Medium may differ for each cell line and should be determined in advance to inhibit cell proliferation without causing cytotoxicity.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Performing the wound healing assay for at least 24 h and no more than 42 h preserves the healthy state of the cells.

    “We recommend performing the assay for at least 24 h and no more than 42 h to preserve the healthy state of the cells.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The wound healing assay can be inherently heterogeneous, potentially concealing complex underlying dynamics.

    “Although the wound healing assay is seemingly straightforward to perform and analyze, it can still be inherently heterogeneous, potentially concealing complex underlying dynamics.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The scratch assay has low reproducibility of the scratch, resulting in heterogeneous wound areas and affecting reliability and reproducibility.

    “The main weakness lies in the low reproducibility of the scratch, which can result in the wound areas being very heterogeneous, thereby affecting both reliability and reproducibility of the results.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The scratch may cause damage to cells at the edge of the wound, affecting cell migration and introducing variability.

    “Moreover, the scratch may cause damage to cells at the edge of the wound, which could affect cell migration and introduce additional variability to the assay.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    U87 GB cells have a highly adhesive phenotype, making them especially sensitive to minor variations during seeding.

    “U87 GB cells are characterized by a highly adhesive phenotype, making them especially sensitive to minor variations during the seeding procedure.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    10,000× g sedimented EV fractions remain less extensively characterized than 118,000× g isolated EVs.

    “In particular, we provide a valuable reference for 10,000× g sedimented EV fractions, which remain less extensively characterized than 118,000× g isolated EVs, despite attracting increasing interest.”
9 of 9

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Mantile, F., Franco, P., Stoppelli, M.P., and Liguori, G.L. (2020). Biological Role and Clinical Relevance of Extracellular Vesicles as Key Mediators of Cell Communication in Cancer. Biological Membrane Vesicles: Scientific, Biotechnological and Clinical Considerations. Advances in Biomembranes and Lipid Self-Assembly, Elsevier.

Authors
D’Antonio, C., Mantile, F., Pocsfalvi, G., & Liguori, G. L.
Affiliations
  • Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IT)
  • Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (IBBR), National Research Council of Italy, 80131 Naples, Italy
Venue
Methods and Protocols
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2026-05-31
Volume
9
Issue
3
Pages
81
ISSN
2409-9279 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W7163367707
Cited by
0
References
53
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Methods and Protocols (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
  • Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • European Union—NextGenerationEU (CEVITA)
  • Regione Campania (PO FESR 2014–2020 SATIN)
  • University of Ljubljana (Nanostructurome)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Extracellular vesicles in disease
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Genetics › Glioma Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer Cells and Metastasis
Keywords
glioblastoma, extracellular vesicles, cell migration, wound healing assay, mitomycin C, cell proliferation inhibition, tumor invasion, assay optimization

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-14.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-14.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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