GliaMorph: a modular image analysis toolkit to quantify Mu? ller glial cell morphology

Cell morphology is crucial for all cell functions. This is particularly true for glial cells as they rely on complex shape to contact and support neurons. However, methods to quantify complex glial cell shape accurately and reproducibly are lacking. To address this, we developed the image analysis pipeline 'GliaMorph'. GliaMorph is a modular analysis toolkit developed to perform (1) image pre-processing, (2) semi-automatic region-of-interest selection, (3) apicobasal texture analysis, (4) glia segmentation, and (5) cell feature quantification. Mu'' ller glia (MG) have a stereotypic shape linked to their maturation and physiological status. Here, we characterized MG on three levels: (1) global image-level, (2) apicobasal texture, and (3) regional apicobasal vertical-to-horizontal alignment. Using GliaMorph, we quantified MG development on a global and single-cell level, showing increased feature elaboration and subcellular morphological rearrangement in the zebrafish retina. As proof of principle, we analysed expression changes in a mouse glaucoma model, identifying subcellular protein localization changes in MG. Together, these data demonstrate that GliaMorph enables an in-depth understanding of MG morphology in the developing and diseased retina.

Automated summary

Cell morphology is important for cell functions, especially for glial cells that rely on complex shape for neuron support. However, accurate and reproducible methods to quantify complex glial cell shape are lacking. To address this, the image analysis pipeline 'GliaMorph' was developed, enabling in-depth understanding of glial cell morphology in the developing and diseased retina.