A computational approach to detect gap junction plaques and associate them with cells in fluorescent images.

ABSTRACT: Intercellular signaling is a fundamental requirement for complex biological system function and survival. Communication between adjoining cells is largely achieved via gap junction channels made up of multiple subunits of connexin proteins, each with unique selectivity and regulatory properties. Intercellular communication via gap junction channels facilitates transmission of an array of cellular signals, including ions, macromolecules, and metabolites that coordinate physiological processes throughout tissues and entire organisms. Although current methods used to quantify connexin expression rely on number or area density measurements in a field of view, they lack cellular assignment, distance measurement capabilities (both within the cell and to extracellular structures), and complete au

SUBMITTER: Goldberg JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3636683 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature