Open-Source Tools for Assessing Cytoskeleton Properties in Pathological Conditions From Microscopy Images: An Application Note

The cytoskeleton is a multiplex network of different proteins and filaments and is involved in a variety of important functions. Nevertheless, its deregulation leads to various diseases. Cells' cytoskeleton characteristics and structures can be accessed with image analysis tools. Our purpose, therefore, was to identify relevant freeware tools that can be used for assessing cytoskeleton characteristics from microscopy images and create an application note for them. The tools covered in this application note are the ImageJ/Fiji, FilamentSensor, and Ilastik software. These three softwares are presented and described regarding their uses, features and other characteristics, and examples of using this software for analyzing the cell cytoskeleton are provided. These tools might contribute to the advancement of biological research and the enhancement of therapeutic outcomes, particularly regarding pathological conditions, suggesting further development and adoption of open-source tools in the scientific community.