Irises: A practical tool for image-based analysis of cellular DNA content.

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Genetics

Background:

• DNA content analysis is crucial for understanding cell cycle status.
• Analyzing DNA content in complex tissues at single-nucleus resolution presents challenges.
• Existing methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce Irises, a novel software tool for in situ DNA content determination.
• To facilitate systematic cell cycle analysis at single-nucleus resolution within complex tissues.
• To demonstrate the utility of Irises using C. elegans germline nuclei.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Irises software for automated DNA content analysis.
• Application of Irises to analyze DNA content in C. elegans germline nuclei.
• Comparison of Irises results with manual analysis for accuracy and speed.

Main Results:

• Irises significantly accelerates DNA content analysis, achieving at least a 5-fold increase in speed.
• The software maintains high accuracy comparable to manual analysis.
• Successful demonstration of Irises utility in complex biological samples.

Conclusions:

• Irises is an effective software tool for rapid and accurate in situ DNA content analysis.
• The tool enhances cell cycle status determination in single nuclei within complex tissues.
• Irises provides a valuable resource for researchers in cell biology and genetics, with publicly available source code.