Graph-based unsupervised segmentation algorithm for cultured neuronal networks' structure characterization and modeling.
Large scale phase-contrast images taken at high resolution through the life of a cultured neuronal network are analyzed by a graph-based unsupervised segmentation algorithm with a very low computational cost, scaling linearly with the image size. The processing automatically retrieves the whole network structure, an object whose mathematical representation is a matrix in which nodes are identified neurons or neurons' clusters, and links are the reconstructed connections between them. The algorithm is also able to extract any other relevant morphological information characterizing neurons and neurites. More importantly, and at variance with other segmentation methods that require fluorescence imaging from immunocytochemistry techniques, our non invasive measures entitle us to perform a longitudinal analysis during the maturation of a single culture. Such an analysis furnishes the way of individuating the main physical processes underlying the self-organization of the neurons' ensemble into a complex network, and drives the formulation of a phenomenological model yet able to describe qualitatively the overall scenario observed during the culture growth.
Centre for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.|Group of Biometrics, Biosignals and Security, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Daniel
D
de Santos-Sierra
Centre for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.|Complex Systems Group, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
Irene
I
Sendiña-Nadal
Centre for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.|Complex Systems Group, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
Inmaculada
I
Leyva
Centre for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.|Complex Systems Group, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
Juan A
JA
Almendral
Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Amir
A
Ayali
Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.|Department of Neurobiology, Wise Faculty of Life Sciences & Sagol School, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Sarit
S
Anava
Group of Biometrics, Biosignals and Security, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Carmen
C
Sánchez-Ávila
Embassy of Italy in Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel.|CNR-Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi, Florence, Italy.
Stefano
S
Boccaletti
D000465:Algorithms; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019295:Computational Biology / Q000379:methods; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008954:Models, Biological; D016501:Neurites / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D049490:Systems Biology / Q000379:methods
automated tracing; complex networks; connectome reconstruction; cultured neuronal network; high throughput; light microscopy; network topology analysis; neurite tracing; neuron image segmentation; neuronal morphology