Self-Similarity Interpretation Guide


This guide provides an overview of the self-similarity search algorithm developed in our recent research, you can read more about it in our paper


Self-similarity histograms provide a means of assessing heterogeneity within datasets.


Self-Similarity Histogram showing various distributions
Figure 1: Self-Similarity Histogram showing various distributions.

Additionally, self-similarity histograms can reveal distinct sub-populations within cells, such as variations in protein spatial organisation at the cell centre versus the cell periphery. These sub-populations manifest as multiple peaks in the self-similarity distribution (see Figure 2).


Self-Similarity Histogram showing a sub-population
Figure 2: Self-Similarity Histogram showing an example of a sub-population.

References

  1. Shirgill, S., Nieves, D.J. et al. Nano-org, a functional resource for single-molecule localisation microscopy data. Nat Commun 16, 8674 (2025).