MCMICRO: A scalable, modular image-processing pipeline for multiplexed tissue imaging

Abstract

Highly multiplexed tissue imaging makes molecular analysis of single cells possible in a preserved spatial context. However, reproducible analysis of the underlying data poses a substantial computational challenge. Here we describe a modular and open-source computational pipeline (MCMICRO) for performing the sequential steps needed to transform large, multi-channel whole slide images into single-cell data. We demonstrate use of MCMICRO on images of different tissues and tumors acquired using multiple imaging platforms, thereby providing a solid foundation for the continued development of tissue imaging software.