CASSPER is a semantic segmentation-based particle picking algorithm for single-particle cryo-electron microscopy

Commun Biol. 2021 Feb 15;4(1):200. doi: 10.1038/s42003-021-01721-1.

Abstract

Particle identification and selection, which is a prerequisite for high-resolution structure determination of biological macromolecules via single-particle cryo-electron microscopy poses a major bottleneck for automating the steps of structure determination. Here, we present a generalized deep learning tool, CASSPER, for the automated detection and isolation of protein particles in transmission microscope images. This deep learning tool uses Semantic Segmentation and a collection of visually prepared training samples to capture the differences in the transmission intensities of protein, ice, carbon, and other impurities found in the micrograph. CASSPER is a semantic segmentation based method that does pixel-level classification and completely eliminates the need for manual particle picking. Integration of Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) in CASSPER enables high-fidelity particle detection in micrographs with variable ice thickness and contrast. A generalized CASSPER model works with high efficiency on unseen datasets and can potentially pick particles on-the-fly, enabling data processing automation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy*
  • Deep Learning*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Conformation
  • Proteins / ultrastructure*
  • Semantics
  • Single Molecule Imaging*

Substances

  • Proteins