Fig. 1

Neuropeptides induced the migration of human metastatic breast cancer cells in the wound-healing assay. a NPs induced dose-dependent cell migration in MDA-MB-231^LUC+ when compared to the control group (R square SP = 0.9752, CGRP = 0.7886 and NKA = 0.9085). b Representative images of the wound at 0 and 24 h after substance P (100 nM), CGRP (100 nM), NKA (50 nM) and NP combination, visualized by phase contrast microscopy. Scale bar = 100 µm (bottom left panel). c Wound gap decreases in MDA-MB-231^LUC+ cells 24 h after SP, CGRP, NKA or the combined treatment (Comb) compared to controls. Five independent experiments (each with duplicated samples) and three measurements per image, were performed. Data are presented as median (numbers and horizontal line) with boxes representing the 25 and 75 percentiles, *P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001 compared to control treatment