Figure 1

Cell motility, cell–to–cell adhesion and cell proliferation mechanisms drive cell colony expansion. Schematic representation of the circular barrier assay illustrating the mechanisms influencing the expansion of a two–dimensional cell colony. Cells are placed inside the barrier which is lifted at t=0 hours allowing the colony of cells to expand outwards until t=48 hours. The degree of expansion can be quantified by measuring and comparing the radius of the colony, R₀ and R₄₈.