MIiSR: Molecular Interactions in Super-Resolution Imaging Enables the Analysis of Protein Interactions, Dynamics and Formation of Multi-protein Structures

PLoS Comput Biol. 2015 Dec 11;11(12):e1004634. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004634. eCollection 2015 Dec.

Abstract

Our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms which regulate cellular processes such as vesicular trafficking has been enabled by conventional biochemical and microscopy techniques. However, these methods often obscure the heterogeneity of the cellular environment, thus precluding a quantitative assessment of the molecular interactions regulating these processes. Herein, we present Molecular Interactions in Super Resolution (MIiSR) software which provides quantitative analysis tools for use with super-resolution images. MIiSR combines multiple tools for analyzing intermolecular interactions, molecular clustering and image segmentation. These tools enable quantification, in the native environment of the cell, of molecular interactions and the formation of higher-order molecular complexes. The capabilities and limitations of these analytical tools are demonstrated using both modeled data and examples derived from the vesicular trafficking system, thereby providing an established and validated experimental workflow capable of quantitatively assessing molecular interactions and molecular complex formation within the heterogeneous environment of the cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computer Simulation
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Models, Chemical
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism*
  • Multiprotein Complexes / ultrastructure
  • Protein Interaction Mapping / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Software*
  • User-Computer Interface

Substances

  • Multiprotein Complexes