Irbis

User-friendly software for analysis of live-cell fluorescence microscopy data, with a primary focus on neuronal models

What can Irbis do?

  • Create high-fidelity 3D reconstructions from fluorescence microscopy data of dendritic spines.
  • Segment individual spines in 3D reconstructions and follow them over time in live-cell imaging data.
  • Detect peaks in signal (e.g., synaptic markers) and generate corresponding 3D reconstructions.
  • Process data from various microscopy modalities, such as single-molecule tracking, and correlate it with 3D reconstructions.
  • Quantify data and explore the results using an integrated plotting tool.

Multi-modality integration

Supports data from various microscopy methods, including volumetric imaging, single-molecule localization, and single-molecule tracking.

Temporal dynamics analysis

Enables the tracking and analysis of structural changes over time, providing insights into dynamic processes.

Intuitive user interface

User-friendly standalone application, designed for ease of use without programming expertise.

High-fidelity reconstruction

Preserves structural details in 3D reconstruction.


What is the processing pipeline?

Bitmap data

  • Upload bitmap data

    The bitmap data analysis starts from a z-stack image, ideally combined with a timelapse in multiple channels.

  • Generate 3D reconstruction

    The algorithm thresholds the selected channel and creates a 3D reconstruction of the data.

  • Segment individual spines

    In the case of neuronal models, the 3D reconstruction can be further segmented into dendritic branches and individual spines. The segmentation is aided by generating additional structures, such as dendritic shaft approximation, that provides the division between the center of the dendrite and the protruding spines.

  • Follow objects in time

    If the data contains a time-lapse, the objects can be followed across multiple time points.

  • Calculate parameters

    The subsequent analysis can provide information about the structures (shape, surface, volume etc) and how they change in time. Moreover, the relationship between multiple structures, like spines and synapses, can be analyzed, if the information is provided in the raw data. The whole process features a high degree of automation, while simultaneously providing a lot of options for precise manual adjustment of the model.

  • Explore the results

    Finally, the results can be explored in an inbuilt plotting tool.

Single-molecule tracking data

  • Upload tracking data

    Irbis can load preprocessed tracks.

  • Calculate parameters

    The trajectories can be analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively and various parameters, such as the diffusion coefficient, can be calculated.

  • Correlate with 3D reconstruction

    Tracks can be correlated with the 3D reconstruction, for example to detect synaptic and extrasynaptic trajectories of membrane bound receptors.

  • Explore the results

    As with bitmap data, the results can be explored in an inbuilt plotting tool.


What is the current state?

Irbis is in active development, with the first public version and publication in preparation. Researchers interested in testing and providing feedback are welcome to contact us.

What are the focus areas for future development?

  • Enhanced integration of different microscopy modalities.
  • Improved timeline integration for relative timescales of various modalities and experimental events.
  • Optimization for handling noisy data.
  • Speed optimization and minimization of hardware requirements.

Want to learn more?

If you are interested in testing the software, or you want to discuss the possibility of applying Irbis to your research project, please contact us, or subscribe to the news in the form below.