Long-Term Real-Time Tracking of Morphology and Migration\nof Neuronal Cells under Oxidative Stress

Neuronal cells exhibit diverse morphologies\nthat are crucial for\ntheir function within the neuronal network. Long-term quantitative\nanalysis of both neuronal cell morphology and migration is essential\nin neuroscience research but remains challenging. Sodium arsenite,\na known inducer of oxidative stress in neurons, affects both cell\nmorphology and migration. To rapidly assess oxidative stress in HT22\nneuronal cells, we developed a method for tracking key morphological\nfeatures and migration trajectories of the individual cells. Three\ntime-dependent parametersvelocity, circularity increment,\nand turn angleare identified as rapid, direct indicators of\nthe early stages of oxidative stress in neuronal cells. This method\nis then applied to investigate the effects of arsenite exposure on\nneuronal cells. Our approach provides a valuable tool for the rapid,\nlabel-free, and long-term real-time tracking of oxidative stress in\nneuronal cells, offering potential insights into cellular responses\nunder stress conditions.