Novel algorithms for improved detection and analysis of fluorescent signal fluctuations

Pflugers Arch. 2023 Nov;475(11):1283-1300. doi: 10.1007/s00424-023-02855-3. Epub 2023 Sep 13.

Abstract

Fluorescent dyes and genetically encoded fluorescence indicators (GEFI) are common tools for visualizing concentration changes of specific ions and messenger molecules during intra- as well as intercellular communication. Using advanced imaging technologies, fluorescence indicators are a prerequisite for the analysis of physiological molecular signaling. Automated detection and analysis of fluorescence signals require to overcome several challenges, including correct estimation of fluorescence fluctuations at basal concentrations of messenger molecules, detection, and extraction of events themselves as well as proper segmentation of neighboring events. Moreover, event detection algorithms need to be sensitive enough to accurately capture localized and low amplitude events exhibiting a limited spatial extent. Here, we present two algorithms (PBasE and CoRoDe) for accurate baseline estimation and automated detection and segmentation of fluorescence fluctuations.

Keywords: Background correction; Calcium signal analysis; Glial calcium signals; Interactive user interface; Neuronal SBFI imaging; ROI detection; Transient classification.