Advances in mechanism and in vitro cell migration experiments of chemokine like factor 1 involved in restenosis

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration is an essential element in the development of restenosis. Data show that chemokine like factor 1 (CKLF1) has a pivotal role in mediating VSMC migration. This article reviews the mechanism and cell migration in vitro experiments of CKLF1 involved in restenosis. Current studies of VSMC are based on conventional cell culture approaches (e.g. culture dish and flask), which allow no control over the spatial/temporal distribution of the cells and biomolecules in vivo microenvironments. Microfluidics is a technology of manipulating and detecting fluids in the microscale. Due to its dimensionally comparable with biological cells and capabilities of defining local biophysical, biochemical and physiological cues, a microfluidic assay will be used to reconstruct more in vivo like cell culture models. It can also quantify VSMC migration and explore mechanism involved in VSMC migration. All in all, results obtained from this new assay will deepen our understanding of the pathophysiology function of CKLF1 and provide perspective strategies in the prevention of restenosis.