Generation of In Vivo‐Inspired 3D Collagen Models for Guided Tumor Invasion In Vitro

TL;DR

This paper introduces new 3D collagen models that mimic in vivo tumor invasion by incorporating structural guidance cues, improving the study of cell migration in vitro.

Contribution

The paper provides detailed protocols for creating collagen hydrogel models with structural guidance cues to study ECM-guided cell migration.

Findings

Migration efficiency increases in the presence of structural guidance cues in collagen models.

Protocols include methods for generating cleft-like gaps and tunnel-like tracks using laser ablation.

The models allow comparison of cell migration behavior as single cells or spheroids.

Abstract

Porous collagen hydrogels are widely used to model dynamic cell‐extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions relevant to inflammation, wound healing, and cancer invasion. To improve the physiological relevance of such assays, it is essential to incorporate architectural ECM characteristics identified in vivo that may affect the mechanical and molecular mechanisms of cell migration, including ECM geometry, alignment, and dimensionality. We present detailed, step‐by‐step protocols for generating three collagen‐hydrogel‐based migration assays that integrate structural guidance cues, either as cleft‐like deformable gaps or tunnel‐like tracks, including track generation by multiphoton (MP) laser ablation. For this application, practical guidance on laser setup and integration in commonly used MP microscopes is provided. We include example applications to compare the migratory behavior of HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells, applied both as single‐cell suspensions and as pre‐formed spheroids, in these spatially controlled models. The data indicate that migration efficiency increases with the presence of guidance cues, highlighting the importance of such cues for modeling invasive cell behavior in 3D. These protocols provide a standardized yet adaptable framework for researchers studying ECM‐guided cell migration and evaluating therapeutic strategies that target cell motility. © 2026 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Under‐collagen assay

Basic Protocol 2: 3D interface assay

Basic Protocol 3: 3D tissue track assay

Support Protocol 1: Imaging of guidance models by confocal microscopy

Support Protocol 2: Excitation beam adjustment

Support Protocol 3: Generation of stacks of long tracks by three common microscope types

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