Cited by 12Cell Image Analysis TechniquesCellular transport and secretionAdvanced Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques

Highly adaptable deep-learning platform for automated detection and analysis of vesicle exocytosis

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Chouaib, Abed Alrahman, Chang, Hsin-Fang, Khamis, Omnia M., Alawar, Nadia, Echeverry, Santiago, Demeersseman, Lucie, Elizarova, Sofia, Daniel, James A. +8 more·2025·Nature Communications

Published version of a preprint

Abstract

Activity recognition in live-cell imaging is labor-intensive and requires significant human effort. Existing automated analysis tools are largely limited in versatility. We present the Intelligent Vesicle Exocytosis Analysis (IVEA) platform, an ImageJ plugin for automated, reliable analysis of fluorescence-labeled vesicle fusion events and other burst-like activity. IVEA includes three specialized modules for detecting: (1) synaptic transmission in neurons, (2) single-vesicle exocytosis in any cell type, and (3) nano-sensor-detected exocytosis. Each module uses distinct techniques, including deep learning, allowing the detection of rare events often missed by humans at a speed estimated to be approximately 60 times faster than manual analysis. IVEA’s versatility can be expanded by refining or training new models via an integrated interface. With its impressive speed and remarkable accuracy, IVEA represents a seminal advancement in exocytosis image analysis and other burst-like fluorescence fluctuations applicable to a wide range of microscope types and fluorescent dyes.

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Authors
Chouaib, A. A., Chang, H.-F., Khamis, O. M., Alawar, N., Echeverry, S., Demeersseman, L., Elizarova, S., Daniel, J. A., Tian, Q., Lipp, P., Fornasiero, E. F., Valitutti, S., Barg, S., Pape, C., Shaib, A. H., & Becherer, U.
Affiliations
  • Saarland University (DE)
  • Uppsala University (SE)
  • Inserm (FR)
  • Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (DE)
  • University of Trieste (IT)
  • Multiscale Bioimaging (DE)
  • Universitätsmedizin Göttingen (DE)
Corresponding author
  • Shaib, Ali H.
  • Becherer, Ute
Venue
Nature Communications
Published
2025-07-12
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
6450-6450
ISSN
2041-1723 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4412362182
Cited by
11
References
67
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 3
FWCI
4.15
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Nature Communications (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Diva portal (Dalarna University Library) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • HAL (submittedVersion)
  • ArTS Archivio della ricerca di Trieste (University of Trieste https://www.units.it/) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • GoeScholar The Publication Server of the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (Georg-August-Universität Göttingen) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB894)
  • European Commission (ERC-2021-SyG_951329)
  • University of Saarland
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biophysics › Cell Image Analysis Techniques
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Cellular transport and secretion
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biophysics › Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques
Keywords
vesicle exocytosis, synaptic transmission, automated image analysis, ImageJ plugin, deep learning, live-cell imaging
MeSH terms
Deep Learning, Animals, Exocytosis, Fluorescent Dyes, Humans, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, Microscopy, Fluorescence, Synaptic Transmission, Neurons, Rats

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