Multimodal whole slide image processing pipeline for quantitative mapping of tissue architecture and tissue microenvironment

Abstract Multi-modal, multiscale imaging is crucial for quantitative high-content spatial profiling. We present an integrated image processing pipeline for comprehensive tissue analysis that combines quantitative phase microscopy for tissue architecture mapping, hyper-plex fluorescence imaging for i...

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Main Authors: Maomao Chen, Hongqiang Ma, Xuejiao Sun, Marc Schwartz, Randall E. Brand, Jianquan Xu, Dimitrios S. Gotsis, Phuong Nguyen, Beverley A. Moore, Lori Snyder, Rhonda M. Brand, Yang Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-06-01
Series:npj Imaging
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s44303-025-00088-w
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author Maomao Chen
Hongqiang Ma
Xuejiao Sun
Marc Schwartz
Randall E. Brand
Jianquan Xu
Dimitrios S. Gotsis
Phuong Nguyen
Beverley A. Moore
Lori Snyder
Rhonda M. Brand
Yang Liu
author_facet Maomao Chen
Hongqiang Ma
Xuejiao Sun
Marc Schwartz
Randall E. Brand
Jianquan Xu
Dimitrios S. Gotsis
Phuong Nguyen
Beverley A. Moore
Lori Snyder
Rhonda M. Brand
Yang Liu
author_sort Maomao Chen
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Multi-modal, multiscale imaging is crucial for quantitative high-content spatial profiling. We present an integrated image processing pipeline for comprehensive tissue analysis that combines quantitative phase microscopy for tissue architecture mapping, hyper-plex fluorescence imaging for immune microenvironment profiling, and whole-slide histopathology. This approach enables detailed morphological mapping of tissue architecture and cell morphology, while simultaneously linking them to the functional states of individual cells across the entire slide. By analyzing tissue biopsies from patients with ulcerative colitis, we demonstrate the potential of this pipeline for quantitative spatial analysis of molecular markers related to mucosal healing. Open-source and compatible with conventional microscopy systems, this pipeline provides a powerful tool for research and clinical applications through its comprehensive integration of quantitative, high-content, and histological imaging modalities.
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publisher Nature Portfolio
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series npj Imaging
spelling doaj-art-49a33b20e26b4dc28bc56d84b65a65ff2025-08-20T02:40:15ZengNature Portfolionpj Imaging2948-197X2025-06-013111610.1038/s44303-025-00088-wMultimodal whole slide image processing pipeline for quantitative mapping of tissue architecture and tissue microenvironmentMaomao Chen0Hongqiang Ma1Xuejiao Sun2Marc Schwartz3Randall E. Brand4Jianquan Xu5Dimitrios S. Gotsis6Phuong Nguyen7Beverley A. Moore8Lori Snyder9Rhonda M. Brand10Yang Liu11Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of PittsburghDepartments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of PittsburghDepartments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of PittsburghDepartment of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterDepartment of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterDepartments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of PittsburghGrainger College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignDepartments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of PittsburghDepartment of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterDepartment of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterDepartment of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterDepartments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of PittsburghAbstract Multi-modal, multiscale imaging is crucial for quantitative high-content spatial profiling. We present an integrated image processing pipeline for comprehensive tissue analysis that combines quantitative phase microscopy for tissue architecture mapping, hyper-plex fluorescence imaging for immune microenvironment profiling, and whole-slide histopathology. This approach enables detailed morphological mapping of tissue architecture and cell morphology, while simultaneously linking them to the functional states of individual cells across the entire slide. By analyzing tissue biopsies from patients with ulcerative colitis, we demonstrate the potential of this pipeline for quantitative spatial analysis of molecular markers related to mucosal healing. Open-source and compatible with conventional microscopy systems, this pipeline provides a powerful tool for research and clinical applications through its comprehensive integration of quantitative, high-content, and histological imaging modalities.https://doi.org/10.1038/s44303-025-00088-w
spellingShingle Maomao Chen
Hongqiang Ma
Xuejiao Sun
Marc Schwartz
Randall E. Brand
Jianquan Xu
Dimitrios S. Gotsis
Phuong Nguyen
Beverley A. Moore
Lori Snyder
Rhonda M. Brand
Yang Liu
Multimodal whole slide image processing pipeline for quantitative mapping of tissue architecture and tissue microenvironment
npj Imaging
title Multimodal whole slide image processing pipeline for quantitative mapping of tissue architecture and tissue microenvironment
title_full Multimodal whole slide image processing pipeline for quantitative mapping of tissue architecture and tissue microenvironment
title_fullStr Multimodal whole slide image processing pipeline for quantitative mapping of tissue architecture and tissue microenvironment
title_full_unstemmed Multimodal whole slide image processing pipeline for quantitative mapping of tissue architecture and tissue microenvironment
title_short Multimodal whole slide image processing pipeline for quantitative mapping of tissue architecture and tissue microenvironment
title_sort multimodal whole slide image processing pipeline for quantitative mapping of tissue architecture and tissue microenvironment
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s44303-025-00088-w
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