2dSpAn-Auto

2dSpAn-Auto automates the segmentation and morphological analysis of two-dimensional dendritic spine images using modality-agnostic spine segmentation based on 2D skeletonization with binary and fuzzy skeletonization workflows.

Key Features:

• Binary Skeletonization Workflow (2dSpAn-Auto.b): Implements binary skeletonization algorithm for spine segmentation from binary images.
• Fuzzy Skeletonization Workflow (2dSpAn-Auto.f): Generates fuzzy skeletons directly from gray-scale images without prior binarization.
• Batch Processing: Enables automated processing of multiple images from similar experimental setups in batch mode.
• Parameter Fine-Tuning: Allows expert users to adjust parameters with default settings that prove robust across various imaging conditions.

Scientific Applications:

• Dendritic Spine Density Quantification: Measures spine density across in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo imaging modalities.
• Dendritic Spine Morphometry: Quantifies spine area, spine length, head width, minimum neck width, and average neck width.
• Total Dendrite Length Measurement: Computes total dendrite length as part of comprehensive morphological analysis.
• Synaptic Plasticity Research: Supports studies of synaptic plasticity and its role in neuropsychiatric disorders including Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.
• Confocal and Super-Resolution Microscopy Analysis: Analyzes 2D maximum intensity projection images with limited z-resolution from confocal and previous generation super-resolution microscopy.

Methodology:

2dSpAn-Auto performs fast and automatic segmentation and morphological analysis of 2D maximum intensity projection images of dendritic spines using 2D skeletonization, with two implemented workflows: binary skeletonization and fuzzy skeletonization directly from gray-scale images.