Quantitative linear dichroism imaging of molecular processes in living cells made simple by open software tools

Abstract Fluorescence-detected linear dichroism microscopy allows observing various molecular processes in living cells, as well obtaining quantitative information on orientation of fluorescent molecules associated with cellular features. Such can provide insights into protein structure, aid development genetically encoded probes, and allow determinations lipid membrane properties. However, quantitating interpreting biological systems has been laborious unreliable. Here we present a set open source ImageJ-based software tools that fast easy visualization quantitation, extraction orientations, even systems. The were tested model synthetic vesicles applied to variety systems, including observations conformational changes during G-protein signaling using proteins. Our results show our are applicable wide range polarization-resolved techniques, represent significant step towards making polarization mainstream tool imaging.