Time-resolved analysis and visualization of dynamic processes in living cells

Recent development of in vivo microscopy techniques, including green fluore scent proteins, has allowed the visualization of a wide range of dynamic pr ocesses in living cells. For quantitative and visual interpretation of such processes, new concepts for time-resolved image analysis and continuous ti me-space visualization are required. Here, me describe a versatile and full y automated approach consisting of four techniques, namely highly sensitive object detection, fuzzy logic-based dynamic object tracking, computer grap hical visualization, and measurement in time-space. Systematic model simula tions were performed to evaluate the reliability of the automated object de tection and tracking method. To demonstrate potential applications, the met hod was applied to the analysis of secretory membrane traffic and the funct ional dynamics of nuclear compartments enriched in pre-mRNA splicing factor s.