Identification and Classification of Damage in DNA Imagery Using Deep Learning Algorithms

Abstract

In this study, the application of deep learning, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), to analyze comet assay images for DNA damage assessment is explored. The comet as-say is a pivotal method for detecting DNA strand breaks at the cellular level, essential in geno-toxicity and carcinogenicity research. Traditional approaches to analyze these images often in-volve manual labor or basic computational tools, which are inefficient, especially with noisy data. This research addresses these inefficiencies by developing a custom CNN model to auto-matically classify DNA damage levels in comet assay images. The dataset consists of 5,326 im-ages, categorized into six damage levels: from undamaged (C0) to extensively damaged (C4), plus an unidentifiable category (C6). Data augmentation was employed to enhance the model's robustness by creating varied inputs for training. The CNN processes the raw images through several layers to extract features and identify patterns, facilitating the classification of DNA damage levels. The model's performance was assessed using a confusion matrix, achieving an overall classification accuracy of approximately 92%. Although the model was highly accurate in distinguishing severe damage levels, it struggled with closely related classes, such as slightly and moderately damaged DNA. This study underscores the potential of deep learning in auto-mating and improving the analysis of comet assay images. CNNs offer a more accurate and effi-cient alternative to traditional methods, which could significantly advance research in genotoxi-city and clinical diagnostics, leading to a better understanding and monitoring of DNA damage in biological systems.