Mathematical characterization of three-dimensional gene expression patterns.
BACKGROUND
The importance of a systematic methodology for the mathematical characterization of three-dimensional gene expression patterns in embryonic development.


METHODS
By combining lacunarity and multiscale fractal dimension analyses with computer-based methods of three-dimensional reconstruction, it becomes possible to extract new information from in situ hybridization studies. Lacunarity and fractality are appropriate measures for the cloud-like gene activation signals in embryonic tissues. The newly introduced multiscale method provides a natural extension of the fractal dimension concept, being capable of characterizing the fractality of geometrical patterns in terms of spatial scale. This tool can be systematically applied to three-dimensional patterns of gene expression.


RESULTS
Applications are illustrated using the three-dimensional expression patterns of the myogenic marker gene Myf5 in a series of differentiating somites of a mouse embryo.
Costa
L da F
Lda F
Cybernetic Vision Research Group, GII-IFSC, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Caixa Postal 369, 13560-970, Brazil. luciano@if.sc.usp.br
Barbosa
M S
MS
Manoel
E T M
ET
Streicher
J
J
Müller
G B
GB
D000818:Animals; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism*; D017709:Fractals; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling / Q000379:methods*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D051379:Mice; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D009124:Muscle Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051787:Myogenic Regulatory Factor 5; D009716:Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015533:Transcriptional Activation
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D009124:Muscle Proteins; C497418:Myf5 protein, mouse; D051787:Myogenic Regulatory Factor 5; D015534:Trans-Activators