Spatial Transcriptomics: Technologies, Applications and Experimental Considerations

Xinmin Li, UCLA Technology Center for Genomics & Bioinformatics, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, 650 Charles E Young Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90095 USA

Efficient and correct function of the diverse cell types within an organ relies on their highly structured organization. To fully understand the functions of specific genes within a given cell type, it is essential to determine when, where, and how much the gene is expressed. However, classic bulk RNA sequencing and popular single-cell sequencing methods destroy cell structural organization in the process and fail to provide spatial information. To address this limitation, spatial transcriptomics technologies have rapidly developed in recent years to allow for the precise localization of gene expression and cell position within complex tissues. By enabling the identification of cross-talk and signal transduction between neighboring genes and cells, the spatial technologies provide important insights into how cells work together as a team to complete their functions. In this talk, I will focus on commercially available and currently commercializing spatial technologies, highlight their applications by category, and discuss experimental considerations for conducting a first spatial experiment.