Definiens unveils 4D image analysis software strategy for cell biology
25 January 2007 Munich, Germany and San Francisco, CA, USA. Definiens
AG, has announced its development strategy for its high-content cell biology
image analysis application, Definiens Cellenger. Definiens Cellenger is
designed to automate and standardize cell image analysis tailored to
specific assays. It creates much deeper insights into image data, while
providing a simple yet flexible environment to support and accelerate the
drug development process.
Cellenger is built using the open standards-based Definiens Cognition
Network Technology, which delivers the power and performance required to
build a new generation of cognitive applications. Definiens Cognition
Network Technology uses objects’ colour, shape and size, as well as their
specific context and relationships, to understand how cells work. Current
state-of-the-art high-content analysis software provides data based on two
dimensional images (2D). Advances in Definiens’ technology will enable
research on cell-based assays which is not feasible today. Definiens’
technology strategy focuses on developing a tool box which will enable
general purpose three dimensional (3D) and four dimensional (4D) image
analysis. Tracking of cells in 3D over time (ie 4D) provides useful data
regarding cell morphology and structure, including correlating cell speed
changes and persistence of movement.
With 3D and 4D capability, the analysis of cellular processes over time
will be possible, a ground-breaking improvement compared to static and flat
snapshots provided by 2D, today’s state-of-the-art. The analysis of such
data, however, presents major challenges for automated image analysis
systems; data volume for a single image can easily reach gigabyte levels,
for example. “Cells are 3D objects and they change in real time,” explains
Nick Arini, Product Marketing Manager, Definiens. “A 2D snapshot might give
you 250,000 data points. A 4D view of the same cells can provide 500 million
data points. We are providing the technology that can analyze the enormous
amounts of data involved with quantitative and repeatable measurements. This
is clearly going to enable increased insights into cell biology.” Wolfgang
Rencken, Vice President Technology and Products, emphasizes, “By helping to
create a deeper understanding of image data, Definiens is enabling
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to accelerate their drug
development cycles at lower costs than ever before.” To top
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