Improved kymography tools and its applications to mitosis

Methods. 2010 Jun;51(2):214-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2010.01.016. Epub 2010 Jan 18.

Abstract

Although applicability of kymographs is limited to nearly one-dimensional (1D) processes, they have been instrumental in the analysis and interpretation of a wide range of dynamic biological processes. We focus here on some applications of kymography in the study of one among the range of 'nearly-1D' processes -mitosis. Using this biological context, we suggest generalized procedures in kymograph assembly that allow a partial retrieval of spatial information which is typically lost or distorted in conventional kymography. These kymograph variations, namely guided-kymography and chromo-kymography, are helpful in the determination of actual velocities and discrimination of structures when using thick regions of interest (ROIs). The method used to generate chromo-kymographs is generalized to other (non-kymograph) projection techniques, which include time-stack and z-stack projections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Kymography / methods*
  • Mitosis*