OVERVIEW

The study of molecular interactions dynamic is a key point towards the understanding of regulation mechanisms of the living, as well as their deregulation occurring during neurodegenerative, metabolic or auto-immune diseases. For this, the visualization and measurements of inter-proteins interactions are indispensable in the cellular level.
Recently, fluorescence lifetime measurements coupled with the use of GFP variants (2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry) are a new major way of investigation based on the mechanisms of energy transfer between fluorescent labels (FRET).
The BCF research group at the IRI has a unique expertise in this field in France. It has elaborated a system enabling to couple the measurements of lifetime and fluorescence spectrum (SLiM). In order to simplify the analysis of this kind of multidimensional data, we have also developed an innovative software based on the polar representation method.

DESCRIPTION 

MAPI v1.0 is an image analysis software for your FLIM and SLiM acquisitions. It is adapted to different file formats: .acs (text images), .sdt (Becker & Hickl) and .fli (Lambert Instruments). It calculates and displays automatically a polar representation of your lifetime images. For SLiM images, it enables also to display a 3D polar representation. Finally, it gives you access to different unknown parameters which are the lifetimes and contributions of each fluorescent species.

MAPI software interface and 3D polar representation obtained after SLiM acquisition realized on cross section of convallaria sp.

ADVANTAGES

• End of the classic analysis method which consists in successively adjusting the theoretical models with the SLiM experimental measurements.
• Choice of the algorithmic model not necessary
• Choice of the number of fitting parameters not necessary
• Mathematical calculus of lifetime performed by the software
• Polar representation of fluorescence lifetime in three dimensions.
• Fast and visual determination of any lifetime modification which implies an easy detection of autofluorescence or also of molecular interactions by FRET.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Molecular interactions imaging in tissue.
Multispectral fluorescence lifetime imaging.

For further information, please contact us (Ref 02526-01)