A web interface for the quantification of microtubule dynamics

We propose a web interface that allows researchers to quantify and analyze microtubule confocal images online. Most analyses of microtubule confocal images are performed manually using very simple software or tools. Analysis results are stored locally within each collaborator with different styles and formats. This has limited the sharing of data and results when collaborating among different research parties. A web interface provides a simple way for users to process data online. It also allows easy sharing of both data and results among different participating groups. Analysis workflow of the interface is made similar to existing manual protocols. We demonstrate the integration of image processing algorithm in the current workflow to aid the analysis. Our design also allows integration of novel automated analysis algorithms and modules to re-evaluate existing data. This interface can provide a validation platform for new automated algorithm and allow collaboration on microtubule image analysis from different locations.