TrackPad: Software for semi-automated single-cell tracking and lineage annotation

TrackPad is an open-source, biologist-friendly, graphical user interface for tracking and annotating single-cell lineage fates from time-lapse movies. The software applies cross-correlative, template-matching (CCTM) to track each cell using transmitted or fluorescent images. Machine tracking is supervised by the investigator, who can manually annotate cell fates such as division, death, or changes in cell phenotype. Search parameters that minimise user interventions and tracking time are selected by simulating tracking using verified tracking data as a ground truth. Investigators who use this software can produce high-quality annotated cell trajectories and division pedigrees to understand how intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence cell states and fates.