Systematic analysis of cell phenotypes and cellular social networks in tissues using the histology topography cytometry analysis toolbox (histoCAT)

Single-cell, spatially resolved omics analysis of tissues is poised to transform biomedical research and clinical practice. We have developed an open-source computational histology topography analysis toolbox (histoCAT) to enable the interactive, quantitative, and comprehensive exploration of phenotypes of individual cells, cell-to-cell interactions, microenvironments, and morphological structures within intact tissues. histoCAT will be useful in all areas of tissue-based research. We highlight the unique abilities of histoCAT by analysis of highly multiplexed mass cytometry images of human breast cancer tissues.\n\nTechnological advances in the multi-parametric analysis of single cells have revealed an unprecedented heterogeneity of cellular phenotypes and functional states that are concealed in population-based studies1-3. Each cellular phenotype is defined by the interplay of its internal state and the environment in which ...