Authors: Kyndra S. Higgins and Cheryl T. Gomillion
Journal of Biological Engineering, 09 October 2025
Scientists use Axion’s label-free Maestro Z system with TEER and scratch assays to explore the effects of leptin on cancer cell behavior.
Leptin, a hormone best known for regulating metabolism, has also been linked to tumor growth and metastasis. To better understand its role in cancer progression, researchers examined how leptin influences cell migration and barrier integrity across multiple breast cancer cell lines.
Using Axion BioSystems’ label-free Maestro Z platform, the team performed scratch assays and measured transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) to monitor cell behavior in real time. Impedance-based measurements revealed distinct cell line–specific differences in morphology and barrier formation, with leptin exposure altering both migration rates and impedance profiles.
As the authors describe, “this method is sensitive, label-free, and non-destructive, making it a suitable option for small cell populations. Cell surface adhesion, proliferation, response to stimuli, migration, and barrier integrity were all measured within a single experiment.” The study highlights the value of impedance-based assays on Maestro Z for characterizing cancer cell behavior and responses to external factors such as leptin.
