Detection of mitoses in embryonic epithelia using motion field analysis

Abstract

Although computer simulations indicate that mitosis may be important to the mechanics of morphogenetic movements, algorithms to identify mitoses in bright field images of embryonic epithelia have not previously been available. Here, the authors present an algorithm that identifies mitoses and their orientations based on the motion field between successive images. Within this motion field, the algorithm seeks ‘mitosis motion field prototypes’ characterised by convergent motion in one direction and divergent motion in the orthogonal direction, the local motions produced by the division process. The algorithm uses image processing, vector field analyses and pattern recognition to identify occurrences of this prototype and to determine its orientation. When applied to time-lapse images of gastrulation and neurulation-stage amphibian (Ambystoma mexicanum) embryos, the algorithm achieves identification accuracies of 68 and 67%, respectively and angular accuracies of the order of 30°, values sufficient to assess the role of mitosis in these developmental processes.

Keywords:

• mitosis identification
• motion field analysis
• embryogenesis
• epithelia

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through Discovery Grants to GWB and DC and a CGS-M Scholarship to PS. Animals were cared for in accordance with Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines.

Notes

^1. [email protected]

^2. [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Parthipan Siva

1. 1. [email protected]

David Clausi

2. 2. [email protected]