pyHiM, a new open-source, multi-platform software package for spatial genomics based on multiplexed DNA-FISH imaging

Abstract

The three-dimensional (3D) nuclear organization of chromatin in eukaryotes plays a crucial role in gene regulation, DNA replication, and DNA damage repair. While genome-wide ensemble methods have enhanced our understanding of chromatin organization, they lack the ability to capture single-cell heterogeneity and preserve spatial information. To overcome these limitations, a new family of imaging-based methods has emerged, giving rise to the field of spatial genomics. In this study, we present pyHiM, an open-source and modular software toolbox specifically designed for the robust, automatic analysis of sequential spatial genomics data. pyHiM enables the reconstruction of chromatin traces in individual cells from raw, multicolor images, offering novel, robust and validated algorithms, extensive documentation, and tutorials. Its user-friendly graphical interface and command-line interface allow for easy installation and execution on various hardware platforms. The software employs a modular architecture, allowing independent execution of analysis steps and customization according to sample specificity and computing resources. pyHiM supports preprocessing, spot detection, mask detection, and trace generation, generating human-readable reports and intermediate results for data validation and further analysis. Moreover, it offers additional features for data formatting, result display, and post-processing. pyHiMs scalability and parallelization capabilities enable the analysis of large, complex datasets in a reasonable time frame. Overall, pyHiM aims to facilitate the democratization and standardization of spatial genomics analysis, foster collaborative developments, and promote the growth of a user community to drive discoveries in the field of chromatin organization.