ArticleBMC bioinformatics2026
OpenIMC: an open-source platform for analyzing single-cell and spatial proteomics by imaging mass cytometry.
Article in BMC bioinformatics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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8 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundImaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) enables highly multiplexed, spatially resolved single-cell proteomics, providing simultaneous measurement of dozens of protein markers while preserving tissue architecture. Despite its analytical power, IMC data analysis remains fragmented across multiple software environments, requiring researchers to combine independent tools for visualization, preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, phenotyping, batch correction, and spatial analysis. This fragmentation increases technical barriers, complicates reproducibility, and limits accessibility for non-computational users.
resultsWe developed OpenIMC, an open-source platform that integrates the major stages of IMC analysis within a unified graphical and command-line framework. OpenIMC supports image visualization, quality control, preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, dimensionality reduction, batch effect correction, clustering, phenotyping, and spatial analysis while maintaining interoperability with established community tools. The platform incorporates automated provenance tracking, records analytical parameters and software versions, and enables export and sharing of complete analytical sessions. Benchmarking demonstrated deterministic behavior across repeated runs, complete concordance between graphical and command-line workflows, and strong agreement with established IMC analysis pipelines. OpenIMC additionally provides support for high-resolution IMC workflows, including signal attenuation modeling and image deconvolution. We apply OpenIMC to two datasets of circulating cells and breast tissue to demonstrate the platform's ability to support integrated single-cell and spatial proteomics analysis.
conclusionsOpenIMC reduces the complexity of IMC data analysis by providing a unified, reproducible, and extensible framework for common IMC workflows. By combining interactive visualization with scalable computational analysis, OpenIMC lowers technical barriers and facilitates reproducible single-cell and spatial proteomics research.
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.