<it>Nemo</it>: a computational tool for analyzing nematode locomotion
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The nematode <it>Caenorhabditis elegans </it>responds to an impressive range of chemical, mechanical and thermal stimuli and is extensively used to investigate the molecular mechanisms that mediate chemosensation, mechano...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2007-10-01
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| Series: | BMC Neuroscience |
| Online Access: | http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2202/8/86 |
| _version_ | 1818113522229313536 |
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| author | Tavernarakis Nektarios Tsibidis George D |
| author_facet | Tavernarakis Nektarios Tsibidis George D |
| author_sort | Tavernarakis Nektarios |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The nematode <it>Caenorhabditis elegans </it>responds to an impressive range of chemical, mechanical and thermal stimuli and is extensively used to investigate the molecular mechanisms that mediate chemosensation, mechanotransduction and thermosensation. The main behavioral output of these responses is manifested as alterations in animal locomotion. Monitoring and examination of such alterations requires tools to capture and quantify features of nematode movement.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this paper, we introduce <it>Nemo </it>(nematode movement), a computationally efficient and robust two-dimensional object tracking algorithm for automated detection and analysis of <it>C. elegans </it>locomotion. This algorithm enables precise measurement and feature extraction of nematode movement components. In addition, we develop a Graphical User Interface designed to facilitate processing and interpretation of movement data. While, in this study, we focus on the simple sinusoidal locomotion of <it>C. elegans</it>, our approach can be readily adapted to handle complicated locomotory behaviour patterns by including additional movement characteristics and parameters subject to quantification.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our software tool offers the capacity to extract, analyze and measure nematode locomotion features by processing simple video files. By allowing precise and quantitative assessment of behavioral traits, this tool will assist the genetic dissection and elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying specific behavioral responses.</p> |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-11T03:36:10Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-e5d7ca1cdb1f406fa3beae1834b19203 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-2202 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-11T03:36:10Z |
| publishDate | 2007-10-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Neuroscience |
| spelling | doaj.art-e5d7ca1cdb1f406fa3beae1834b192032022-12-22T01:22:14ZengBMCBMC Neuroscience1471-22022007-10-01818610.1186/1471-2202-8-86<it>Nemo</it>: a computational tool for analyzing nematode locomotionTavernarakis NektariosTsibidis George D<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The nematode <it>Caenorhabditis elegans </it>responds to an impressive range of chemical, mechanical and thermal stimuli and is extensively used to investigate the molecular mechanisms that mediate chemosensation, mechanotransduction and thermosensation. The main behavioral output of these responses is manifested as alterations in animal locomotion. Monitoring and examination of such alterations requires tools to capture and quantify features of nematode movement.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this paper, we introduce <it>Nemo </it>(nematode movement), a computationally efficient and robust two-dimensional object tracking algorithm for automated detection and analysis of <it>C. elegans </it>locomotion. This algorithm enables precise measurement and feature extraction of nematode movement components. In addition, we develop a Graphical User Interface designed to facilitate processing and interpretation of movement data. While, in this study, we focus on the simple sinusoidal locomotion of <it>C. elegans</it>, our approach can be readily adapted to handle complicated locomotory behaviour patterns by including additional movement characteristics and parameters subject to quantification.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our software tool offers the capacity to extract, analyze and measure nematode locomotion features by processing simple video files. By allowing precise and quantitative assessment of behavioral traits, this tool will assist the genetic dissection and elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying specific behavioral responses.</p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2202/8/86 |
| spellingShingle | Tavernarakis Nektarios Tsibidis George D <it>Nemo</it>: a computational tool for analyzing nematode locomotion BMC Neuroscience |
| title | <it>Nemo</it>: a computational tool for analyzing nematode locomotion |
| title_full | <it>Nemo</it>: a computational tool for analyzing nematode locomotion |
| title_fullStr | <it>Nemo</it>: a computational tool for analyzing nematode locomotion |
| title_full_unstemmed | <it>Nemo</it>: a computational tool for analyzing nematode locomotion |
| title_short | <it>Nemo</it>: a computational tool for analyzing nematode locomotion |
| title_sort | it nemo it a computational tool for analyzing nematode locomotion |
| url | http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2202/8/86 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT tavernarakisnektarios itnemoitacomputationaltoolforanalyzingnematodelocomotion AT tsibidisgeorged itnemoitacomputationaltoolforanalyzingnematodelocomotion |