A new model for the quantitative analysis of cell movements in vitro: definition of a shape change factor

Changes in shape, in addition to translocations, are an important aspect of cell motility. We propose a simple geometrical model for the quantitative analysis of shape changes undergone by cultured cells. The extent to which images of a given cell do not overlap at the beginning and end of a time interval is used as a measure of motility, and a translation step included to eliminate translocation effects. Initial findings suggest that the method is widely applicable.