Cell tracking in fluorescence images of embryogenesis processes with morphological reconstruction by 4D-tubular...

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Biophysics
• Image Analysis

Background:

• Reconstructing cell dynamics during embryogenesis requires precise tracking of cell nuclei.
• Existing methods often involve complex parameters or lack robustness in 4D imaging data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, parameter-free nuclei tracking method for analyzing cell dynamics in 3D+t fluorescence images.
• To enable accurate reconstruction of cell migration and spatiotemporal movement during embryogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized mathematical morphology operators directly within 4D (3D space + time) fluorescence images.
• Employed morphological reconstruction from manually or automatically selected markers to generate spatiotemporal cell paths.
• Validated the algorithm on in vivo images of zebrafish and sea urchin embryogenesis using two-photon laser scanning microscopy.

Main Results:

• Achieved a mean tracking rate exceeding 98% per time step.
• Demonstrated coherent spatiotemporal estimation of cell movement.
• Successfully reconstructed cell dynamics and migration pathways.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method offers a robust and efficient solution for nuclei tracking in developmental biology.
• Its parameter-free nature simplifies application and enhances reproducibility.
• The technique provides valuable insights into cell migration during early embryogenesis.