FiPhA: An Open-Source Platform for Fiber Photometry Analysis

Abstract

SignificanceFiber photometry is a widely used technique in modern behavioral neuroscience, employing genetically encoded fluorescent sensors to monitor neural activity and neurotransmitter release in awake-behaving animals, However, analyzing photometry data can be both laborious and time-consuming. AimWe propose the FiPhA (Fiber Photometry Analysis) app, which is a general-purpose fiber photometry analysis application. The goal is to develop a pipeline suitable for a wide range of photometry approaches, including spectrally resolved, camera-based, and lock-in demodulation. ApproachFiPhA was developed using the R Shiny framework and offers interactive visualization, quality control, and batch processing functionalities in a user-friendly interface. ResultsThis application simplifies and streamlines the analysis process, thereby reducing labor and time requirements. It offers interactive visualizations, event-triggered average processing, powerful tools for filtering behavioral events and quality control features. ConclusionsFiPhA is a valuable tool for behavioral neuroscientists working with discrete, event-based fiber photometry data. It addresses the challenges associated with analyzing and investigating such data, offering a robust and user-friendly solution without the complexity of having to hand-design custom analysis pipelines. This application thus helps standardize an approach to fiber photometry analysis.