AdipoQ-a simple, open-source software to quantify adipocyte morphology and function in tissues and in vitro.

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biotechnology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Adipose tissues (ATs) exhibit distinct functions, such as energy storage (white AT) and heat dissipation (brown AT).
• These functional differences correlate with adipocyte morphology: white adipocytes have large, unilocular lipid droplets, while brown adipocytes have smaller, multilocular droplets.
• A gap exists in automated image analysis pipelines for comprehensive adipocyte analysis in both in vitro and ex vivo settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce AdipoQ, an open-source software tool for automated adipocyte analysis.
• To provide a comprehensive solution for analyzing adipocytes in diverse biological contexts, including cell cultures and tissue sections.

Main Methods:

• AdipoQ is implemented as ImageJ plugins for versatile use.
• The software supports analysis after histological and/or immunofluorescent labeling.
• It is compatible with various imaging modalities and staining techniques, enabling batch processing of large datasets and multi-fluorescent readouts.

Main Results:

• AdipoQ facilitates automated, comprehensive analysis of adipocytes.
• The software offers a wide range of analytical parameters.
• It allows for simple post-hoc analysis and integration of multiple fluorescent signals.

Conclusions:

• AdipoQ addresses the need for an automated image analysis pipeline for adipocytes.
• The software is suitable for analyzing adipocytes in both in vitro and ex vivo samples.
• AdipoQ is valuable for basic research and clinical diagnosis involving adipose tissue.