Automated analysis of gene-microarray images

cDNA micro-arrays are a relatively new technology that allow the viewing of gene expression of many genes (or other DNA fragments) simultaneously. The output of a micro-array experiment is a pair of digital images, each of which show thousands of individual spots. This paper introduces a novel, operator independent, and reproducible algorithm for determining the relative intensities of these spots. This method permits high throughput analysis of micro-array images, which is very desirable given the volume of data collected. This algorithm for automated spot location makes use of the regular structure of the images to produce an initial approximation of spot location, which is then iteratively refined. The algorithm will be tested on micro-array images produced at the Canadian Centre for Human and Animal Health, as well as on publicly available micro-array images.