title: Image Informatics Strategies for Deciphering Neuronal Network Connectivity.
abstract: Brain function relies on an intricate network of highly dynamic neuronal connections that rewires dramatically under the impulse of various external cues and pathological conditions. Amongst the neuronal structures that show morphological plasticity are neurites, synapses, dendritic spines and even nuclei. This structural remodelling is directly connected with functional changes such as intercellular communication and the associated calcium bursting behaviour. In vitro cultured neuronal networks are valuable models for studying these morpho-functional changes. Owing to the automation and standardization of both image acquisition and image analysis, it has become possible to extract statistically relevant readouts from such networks. Here, we focus on the current state-of-the-art in image informatics that enables quantitative microscopic interrogation of neuronal networks. We describe the major correlates of neuronal connectivity and present workflows for analysing them. Finally, we provide an outlook on the challenges that remain to be addressed, and discuss how imaging algorithms can be extended beyond in vitro imaging studies.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Jan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Detrez
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Verstraelen
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Titia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gebuis
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Marlies
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Verschuuren
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium.|Laboratory for Cell Physiology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Agoralaan, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
authors.forename: Jacobine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kuijlaars
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium.
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Langlois
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium.
authors.forename: Rony
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nuydens
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Jean-Pierre
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Timmermans
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium. winnok.devos@uantwerpen.be.|Cell Systems and Cellular Imaging, Department Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. winnok.devos@uantwerpen.be.
authors.forename: Winnok H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: De Vos
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D049229:Dendritic Spines / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D016501:Neurites / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D002118:Calcium