AGScan: a pluggable microarray image quantification software based on the ImageJ library.
Many different programs are available to analyze microarray images. Most programs are commercial packages, some are free. In the latter group only few propose automatic grid alignment and batch mode. More often than not a program implements only one quantification algorithm. AGScan is an open source program that works on all major platforms. It is based on the ImageJ library [Rasband (1997-2006)] and offers a plug-in extension system to add new functions to manipulate images, align grid and quantify spots. It is appropriate for daily laboratory use and also as a framework for new algorithms.


BACKGROUND
The program is freely distributed under X11 Licence. The install instructions can be found in the user manual. The software can be downloaded from http://mulcyber.toulouse.inra.fr/projects/agscan/. The questions and plug-ins can be sent to the contact listed below.
Cathelin
R
R
INRA, Sigenae UR875 Biométrie et Intelligence Artificielle/Génétique Cellulaire, BP 52627, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan Cedex, France.
Lopez
F
F
Klopp
Ch
Ch
D000465:Algorithms; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D012984:Software