Versatile analysis of single-molecule tracking data by comprehensive testing against Monte Carlo simulations.

ABSTRACT: We propose here an approach for the analysis of single-molecule trajectories which is based on a comprehensive comparison of an experimental data set with multiple Monte Carlo simulations of the diffusion process. It allows quantitative data analysis, particularly whenever analytical treatment of a model is infeasible. Simulations are performed on a discrete parameter space and compared with the experimental results by a nonparametric statistical test. The method provides a matrix of p-values that assess the probability for having observed the experimental data at each setting of the model parameters. We show the testing approach for three typical situations observed in the cellular plasma membrane: i), free Brownian motion of the tracer, ii), hop diffusion of the tracer in a periodic mesh

SUBMITTER: Wieser S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2599818 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature