Spatial Biology

Advanced spatial biology technologies to perform high-plex spatial imaging and whole transcriptome spatial profiling. Assay functional markers, protein biomarkers, chemokines, cytokines and RNA within tissues, all while retaining spatial context.

Challenges

Techniques such as Western blotting, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence imaging, and more recently, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), have been invaluable tools for assaying protein and gene expression in cells and tissues. However, these tools either lack single cell resolution, are limited in the number of markers that can be assessed at a time, or do not retain the spatial context in which heterogeneous cell types interact.

Solutions

To tackle these challenges, the Nikon BioImaging Lab offers a comprehensive multi-omics service. Spatial transcriptomics allows for unbiased discovery while spatial multiplex immunofluorescence can be leveraged for biomarkers discovery and validation. The NBIL has capabilities for whole transcriptome, high resolution spatial mapping of gene expression on tissue sections and imaging up to 40 protein markers using standard antibodies or in combination with RNAscope probes. Collectively, these powerful technologies augment classical techniques to provide insight into the spatial heterogeneity of protein and gene expression at a cellular level. These respective spatial biology technologies help accelerate drug discovery and understanding of human biology and disease.