FRAP analysis Measuring biophysical kinetic parameters using image analysis

Abstract: Understanding transcription factor dynamics is crucial for unraveling the regulatory mechanisms of gene expression that underpin cellular function and development. Measurements of transcription factor subcellular movements are essential for developing predictive models of gene expression. However, obtaining these quantitative measurements poses significant challenges due to the inherent variability of biological data and the need for high precision in tracking the movement and interaction of molecules. Our computational pipeline provides a solution to these challenges, offering a comprehensive approach to the quantitative analysis of transcription factor dynamics. Our pipeline integrates advanced image segmentation to accurately delineate individual nuclei, precise nucleus tracking to monitor changes over time, and detailed intensity extraction to measure fluorescence as a proxy for transcription factor activity. Combining our pipeline with techniques such as fluorescence recovery after photobleaching enables the estimation of vital biophysical parameters, such as transcription factor import and export rates.