PyCreas

PyCreas performs semi-automated quantitative analysis of the localization and distribution of endocrine cell types within islets of Langerhans to provide statistically valid characterization of islet architecture across metabolic states.

Key Features:

• Quantitative Analysis: Enables precise quantification of alpha, beta, and delta endocrine cells in pancreatic sections stained by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence.
• Cell-Cell Contact Frequency: Assesses the frequency of various cell-cell contacts within islets to characterize cellular interactions.
• Statistical Validity: Provides robust statistical analysis for comparing islet architecture across different metabolic conditions.
• Application Across Metabolic States: Validated for analyses across metabolic states including gestation and prediabetes.

Scientific Applications:

• Islet architecture remodeling: Investigates remodeling of islet architecture in conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and pregnancy.
• Abcc8/SUR1 variant analysis: Quantifies associations between Abcc8 gene variants (including SUR1 knockout) and alterations in islet cell distribution.
• Prediabetes and gestational comparisons: Identifies architectural alterations present in prediabetic states and distinguishes transient gestational impaired glucose tolerance from long-term impaired glucose tolerance.

Methodology:

Performs semi-automated quantitative analysis and statistical evaluation of immunohistochemistry- and immunofluorescence-stained pancreatic section images.