An interactive method of anatomical segmentation and gene expression estimation for an experimental mouse brain slice

Abstract

We consider the problem of statistical analysis of gene expression in a mouse brain during cognitive processes. In particular we focus on the problems of anatomical segmentation of a histological brain slice and estimation of slice's gene expression level. The first problem is solved by interactive registration of an experimental brain slice into 3D brain model constructed using Allen Brain Atlas. The second problem is solved by special image filtering and further smart resolution reduction. We also describe the procedure of non-linear correction of atlas slices which improves the quality of the 3D-model significantly. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.