FluoQ: A Tool for Rapid Analysis of Multiparameter Fluorescence Imaging Data Applied to Oscillatory Events

• Published in: ACS chemical biology 2013-09, Vol.8 (9), p.1862-1868
• Main Authors: Stein, Frank, Kress, Manuel, Reither, Sabine, Piljić, Alen, Schultz, Carsten
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calcium Signaling; Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer - methods; HeLa Cells; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - economics; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - methods; Optical Imaging - economics; Optical Imaging - methods; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) - analysis; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) - metabolism; Software; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1554-8929; 1554-8937
• DOI: 10.1021/cb4003442

The number of fluorescent sensors and their use in living cells has significantly increased in the past years. Yet, the analysis of data from single cells or cell populations usually remains a very time-consuming enterprise. Here, we introduce FluoQ, a new macro for the image analysis software ImageJ, which enables fast analysis of multiparameter time-lapse fluorescence microscopy data with minimal manual input. FluoQ provides statistical analysis of all measured parameters and delivers the results in multiple graphic and numeric displays. We demonstrate the power of FluoQ by applying the macro to data analysis in the development and optimization of novel FRET reporters for monitoring the performance of calcium/calmodulin-binding inositol trisphosphate kinases A and B (ITPKA and ITPKB) in HeLa cells. We find that conformational changes in the ITPKA-based sensor follow receptor-mediated calcium oscillations. This indicates that ITPKA contributes to the regulation of intracellular calcium transients by limiting inositol trisphosphate levels.