Spatial Transcriptomics in Biomedical Research: Unlocking the Secrets of Cellular Neighborhoods

In the bustling world of cells, location is everything. Just as a city's neighborhoods shape the lives of its inhabitants, the spatial organization of cells within tissues profoundly influences their function and behavior. Enter Visium Spatial Gene Expression, a groundbreaking technology that's transforming our understanding of biology by revealing the intricate spatial relationships between genes and cells.

Figure 1. Spatial transcriptomics-based clusters of different cell populations in human glioblastoma. Source: 10x Genomics obtained fresh frozen human glioblastoma multiforme tissue from BioIVT Asterand. The tissue was embedded and cryosectioned as described in Visium Spatial Protocols – Tissue Preparation Guide (Demonstrated Protocol CG000240). Tissue sections of 10µm were placed on Visium Gene Expression slides and fixed and stained following Methanol Fixation, H&E Staining & Imaging for Visium Spatial Protocols (CG000160). [Dataset ID: STDS0000041, Stomics]

Visium, developed by 10x Genomics, is a powerful tool that allows researchers to map gene expression patterns across tissue sections with unprecedented resolution. This technology combines the best of two worlds: the comprehensive gene profiling capabilities of RNA sequencing and the spatial context provided by traditional histology.

At its core, Visium works by capturing mRNA from tissue sections placed on specially

designed slides. These slides contain thousands of barcoded spots, each capable of capturing and tagging nearby mRNA molecules with a unique spatial identifier. After sequencing, researchers can reconstruct a high-resolution map of gene activity across the entire tissue sample.

The applications of Visium in biomedical research are vast and exciting. In cancer research, it's unveiling the complex interplay between tumor cells and their microenvironment, potentially leading to more targeted therapies. Neuroscientists are using Visium to chart gene expression in different brain regions, shedding light on neurological disorders and brain function. Developmental biologists are tracking gene activity during organ formation, uncovering the molecular choreography that shapes life from its earliest stages.

Figure 1. Spatial transcriptomics-based clusters showing expression of IDH1 gene in human glioblastoma. Source: 10x Genomics obtained fresh frozen human glioblastoma multiforme tissue from BioIVT Asterand. The tissue was embedded and cryosectioned as described in Visium Spatial Protocols – Tissue Preparation Guide (Demonstrated Protocol CG000240). Tissue sections of 10µm were placed on Visium Gene Expression slides and fixed and stained following Methanol Fixation, H&E Staining & Imaging for Visium Spatial Protocols (CG000160). [Dataset ID: STDS0000041, Stomics]

One of Visium's most powerful features is its compatibility with both fresh frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. This versatility allows researchers to tap into vast archives of clinical samples, bridging the gap between cutting-edge molecular analysis and decades of pathological data.

The insights gained from Visium are not just academic curiosities – they have real-world implications for medicine. By revealing how genes behave in their native cellular contexts, this technology is paving the way for more precise diagnostics and personalized treatments. Imagine being able to predict a tumor's behavior based on its spatial gene expression profile, or tailoring therapies to target specific cell populations within a diseased tissue.

As with any revolutionary technology, Visium is evolving rapidly. Researchers are developing sophisticated computational tools to analyze the complex datasets it generates and combining it with other technologies like single-cell RNA sequencing for even deeper insights.

The future of biomedical research is spatial, and Visium is leading the charge. By allowing us to see genes in their natural habitat, this technology is not just answering existing questions – it's inspiring entirely new ones. As we continue to map the molecular landscapes of health and disease, Visium Spatial Gene Expression stands poised to unlock discoveries that will shape the future of medicine.

We invite you to collaborate with GoGlobal for spatial-, single-, and bulk- transcriptomics data analysis, grants, and projects. E-mail us at "goglobal.executive@gmail.com"