QUANTITATIVE  Image Analysis

Multiplex Immunofluorescence Image Analysis​

Advanced image analysis:
transforming pathology images
into robust, useable data​

As a spatial biology specialist, Propath understands the challenges of producing reliable and reproducible data from complex images.

Propath's service for image analysis integrates image management, quantitative quality assessment, spatial phenotyping, and biologically grounded reporting within a validated, reproducible workflow.

Combining advanced analytics with domain expertise, Propath enables sponsors to extract clear, reproducible meaning from complex tissue data, translating images to impact.

From mIF image through tissue classification to cell phenotyping

Introducing our service​​

  • A fully integrated service
    A single, validated, end-to-end solution for sample processing, staining, imaging, hosting, analysis and reporting
  • Multiomics
    Our services allow integration of multiple data sources, both spatial and non-spatial: IHC, H&E/Histology, mIF, IMC, spatial transcriptomics and bulk sequencing
  • Platform agnostic​
    Our service accepts images regardless of the originating platform. We also accept sponsor-generated images, providing seamless integration and comprehensive analysis
  • GCP image analysis
    Propath offers GCP-validated whole slide analysis using Visiopharm, leveraging deep learning and AI for exploratory endpoints
  • Image hosting​
    Cloud-hosted image management with Pathcore, featuring advanced annotation tools and seamless team access and collaboration within a web browser
  • Standalone service
    Tailored, specific services to complement existing workflows, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness

Propath's tools for image sharing & hosting​​

Propath's image management service provides data storage and transfer, image viewing and collaboration tools with no downloads required. Supporting a wide range of image formats and stacking of multiple imaging modalities, analysis overlays and tools for annotation, ensure data is securely accessible on demand.

01
High-resolution image display: view natively rendered whole slide images in the browser​
02
Zoom and navigation controls: full zoom, pan and rotate controls for a natural viewing experience
03
Full display controls: select channel combinations, set colours and adjust histograms to highlight the biology​
04
Annotation tools: Integrated tools enabling identification and markup of features and regions of interest​
05
Integrated analysis workflow: Bidirectional interface with Visiopharm to ensure a seamless training and review of feature detection algorithms​
06
Cloud-hosted: easily share and distribute images and annotations with your team with a web link, or lock your images with account-restricted access. ​

Propath's GCP validated workflow​

RNAscope in situ hybridization is being used by researchers to complement IHC and as an effective alternative to IHC

Step 1

Training of deep learning models for feature identification e.g. cell, tissue and artefact labelling

Step 2

Quantification of biomarker expression, extraction of labels as tabulated data and assignment of classes to cells and tissue features

Step 3

Analysis of spatial interactions and biological pathways, comparison across groups and meaningful presentation of data

Image analysis service menu​

T-cell to macrophage nearest neighbour analysis

  • Basic, advanced or bespoke packages​
    Different tier structures to suit sponsor requirements​​
  • Image QC​
    Quantitative and qualitative image QC metrics​​
  • Tissue segmentation​
    Understanding cellular relationships within separate tissue
    categories
  • Cell segmentation and phenotyping
    Defining cellular boundaries using nuclei dilation or bespoke
    AI-algorithms
  • Advanced data analysis​
    Downstream data analysis to aid interpretation​

A closer look at image analysis tiers​


CD68
FoxP3
CD8
PD1
PD-L1
Ki67
CK
CD4
CD20
CD3
Cytosolic
Nuclear
Membrane
Membrane
Membrane
Nuclear
Membrane
Membrane
Membrane
Membrane
Myeloid
Lymphoid
Lymphoid
Lymphoid, Myeloid
Lymphoid, Myeloid
Cancer, Epithelial
All proliferating cells
Epithelial
Lymphoid, Myeloid
Lymphoid
Lymphoid
Myeloid
Lymphoid
Lymphoid
Lymphoid, Myeloid
Lymphoid, Myeloid
Cancer, Epithelial
All proliferating cells
Epithelial
Lymphoid, Myeloid
Lymphoid
Lymphoid
Standard Advanced Bespoke
Routine artefact detection Bespoke artefact detection

Any image from any source with the option to integrate with other multi-omic data

Fully customisable image processing pipelines include image normalisation, artefact or noise compensation and other deep learning models

Fully bespoke R scripting available for downstream analysis, including integration of non-imaging data such as sequencing, flow cytometry and soluble biomarkers

Statistical support including a range of bioinformatics options

Routine tissue segmentation into two categories Bespoke tissue segmentation
Cell segmentation Bespoke cell segmentation
Cell phenotyping Cell phenotyping
Spatial Analysis - Density analysis, average counts within, nearest neighbour Spatial Analysis - Density analysis, average counts within, nearest neighbour, distance to category edge, neighbourhood analysis
Data provided as excel and high-resolution figures Data provided as excel and interactive plots

GCP validated for clinical trials

Propath's platform for quantitative image analysis and bioinformatics has been designed and validated to be fit-for-purpose for use on clinical trial data.

Our controlled environment ensures analyses are conducted according to the principles of informed consent, data integrity, confidentiality and scientific rigour to maintain GCP compliance from sample receipt to data delivery.

  • Quality Management System
    Propath’s GxP Quality Management System ensures all systems, staff and processes are fit for purpose and reviewed regularly
  • Development, validation and production
    Processes for development, validation and production execution of data pipelines are all controlled by SOPs
  • Risk and review
    ‌Risk-based approach to management of systems, processes and methods (including the use of AI models) ensures fit-for-purpose controls and reviews
  • Validated systems
    All software in the pipeline is validated and managed from image handling through image analysis, data analysis and sharing/transfer
  • Trained staff
    Outputs are generated and/or reviewed by experienced analysts trained to use the systems, processes and SOPs and in the principles of GCP

How our service works​

Whether sponsors enter our pathway with their own images or Propath generated images, Propath seamlessly translates qualitative images into quantitative data for statistical analysis and visualisation. In collaboration with pathologists or subject matter experts, algorithms are trained to extract and quantify features, providing robust and reproducible results.​

Advanced platforms for spatial biology available today at Propath

‌Our experience across a range of platforms for spatial biology allows us to recommend the most appropriate platform for each research project.

We understand the strengths and limitations of each platform – and how to get the best out of them.

‌Lunaphore COMET
Highly multiplexed sequential immunofluorescence for up to 40 protein on a single slide
‌Validated for GCP studies
‌Akoya PhenoCycler and PhenoImager
‌Ultra-high plex single-cell spatial phenotyping; and focused mIF panels for high-throughput translational research
‌Validated for GCP studies
‌RNAScope and BaseScope
Robust in situ hybridization technology for rapid quantification of any RNA target in any tissue with spatial context
‌Validated for GCP studies
Navinci Proximity Ligation
Assays
Automated PLA assays for the
detection of protein-protein
interactions and post-
translational modifications​
‌Validated for GCP studies

A selection of Propath's work

isPLA analysis highlighting receptor-ligand binding in pink, interacting cells in red and non-interacting cells in blue
AI guided spatial transcriptomics analysis investigating role of hypoxia in immune cell exclusion in head and neck cancer
Artefact detection demonstrating exclusion of erythrocytes while retaining lower signal from fluor labelled antibody
AAV distribution analysis including glomerulus detection, cell segmentation and classification with RNAscope quantification
Bespoke sensory neuron and satellite cell segmentation for in-situ gene expression assay by CosMx in dorsal root ganglion
Spatial plot representing immune cell phenotypes assigned from a mIF stain generated by COMET on atopic dermatitis

FAQs

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At Propath we approach biopharma R&D differently. Say goodbye to Large CRO frustrations –and hello to a more responsive, agile and efficient level of service.