Skeletonization of neuronal processes using Discrete Morse techniques from computational topology.

ABSTRACT: To understand biological intelligence we need to map neuronal networks in vertebrate brains. Mapping mesoscale neural circuitry is done using injections of tracers that label groups of neurons whose axons project to different brain regions. Since many neurons are labeled, it is difficult to follow individual axons. Previous approaches have instead quantified the regional projections using the total label intensity within a region. However, such a quantification is not biologically meaningful. We propose a new approach better connected to the underlying neurons by skeletonizing labeled axon fragments and then estimating a volumetric length density. Our approach uses a combination of deep nets and the Discrete Morse (DM) technique from computational topology. This technique takes into accoun

SUBMITTER: Banerjee S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12132238 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature