MINIS SEARCH: A NEW METHOD FOR MINIS ANALYSIS WITH A STREAMLINED WORKFLOW, SIMPLIFIED PROCESS, AND ACCURATE MEASUREMENT

Miniature excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs and mIPSCs), collectively referred to as “minis,” are bioelectrical signals that underlie synaptic communication in the nervous system. These events represent postsynaptic responses to the spontaneous release of neurotransmitter-filled vesicles from presynaptic terminals. Minis are routinely recorded using whole-cell voltage-clamp electrophysiological techniques and require reliable analysis for accurate characterization of synaptic function.
Although several commercial and proprietary software tools are available for minis analysis, many are limited by restricted functionality. Common challenges include cumbersome workflows for adding or removing events, limited editing capabilities, and inadequate options for saving and resuming analyses. To address these limitations, we developed Minis Search, a dedicated analysis tool designed for the detection and analysis of miniature and spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents.
Using recordings obtained from whole-cell voltage-clamp experiments, we evaluated Minis Search for its ability to detect events, add missing events, remove false positives, modify event baselines and durations, resolve overlapping events with multiple peaks, and save and restore incomplete analyses. Our results demonstrate that event detection, editing, and deletion are implemented through a streamlined and intuitive workflow. Baseline and duration inaccuracies can be corrected, enabling precise measurements of event amplitude and kinetics. Additionally, the ability to save and resume unfinished analyses improves workflow efficiency.
In summary, Minis Search provides a comprehensive, user-friendly solution for minis analysis, combining accurate event measurement with a simplified workflow. This tool enhances speed, accuracy, and usability, offering a robust platform for neuroscientists studying synaptic transmission.