Image acquisition for colocalization using optical microscopy

Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2008 May;294(5):C1119-22. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.00133.2008. Epub 2008 Mar 19.

Abstract

Colocalization, in which images of two or more fluorescent markers are overlaid, and coincidence between the probes is measured or displayed, is a common analytical tool in cell biology. Interpreting the images and the meaning of this identified coincidence is difficult in the absence of basic information about the acquisition parameters. In this commentary, we highlight important factors in the acquisition of images used to demonstrate colocalization, and we discuss the minimum information that authors should include in a manuscript so that a reader can interpret both the fluorescent images and any observed colocalization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Microscopy*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence*
  • Refractometry
  • Sensitivity and Specificity