Image analysis applied to Cell Transformation Assay to advance carcinogenicity testing: morphology evaluation of transformed foci and mitochondria

Digital image analysis has demonstrated to be a very promising tool to promote toxicity testing and advancements in the comprehension of olecular mechanisms underlying toxicity outcomes. Cell and tissue imaging allow quantitative detection and measurement of cellular structures and components including organelles, and is supported by microscopes, digitized cameras, and image analysis algorithms (Xu, 2015). We developed methods of image analysis to improve carcinogenicity testing, as the phenotype can be informative of many underlying mechanisms and pathways of in vitro transformation. We foster the adoption of an integrated approach, where functional assays can be coupled with morphology studies in order to understand mechanisms of toxicity. Our work supports the idea that form follows function.