Spatial Statistics of the Cytoskeleton

Abstract

The three dimensional structure of the various types of cytoskeletal filaments (CSK) constitutes the cell's shape äs well äs the interior organization of cell organelles. Since changes in the numerous phases of cells towards neoplastic transformations are known to affect the morphology of the cell it can be assumed that these mo hological changes can be quantitatively described by means of the cy toskeleton. Thus the investigation of the structural organization of the cytoskeletal meshwork appears to be a promising approach to develop new quantitative methods for histopathology. The development of the confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), which are experienced since the eighties from merely a concept to a versatile and powerful tool in science and in daily practical use. Together with the availability of specific immunological markers for the CSK proteins, the CLSM opened up the way for the analysis of the 3-D structure of this fascinating cell constituent. The complex meshwork of the cytoskeleton reveals a wide variety of patterns, demanding an appropriate description to cover its genuine properties for a quantitative analysis. In this paper we show that the CSK can be modelled with spatial point and area processes and present the statistical methodology for its structural analysis. Komitowski, Division Histodiagnostic and Palhomorphological Documentation,