SpatioOmics: The next-generation spatial omics technology

Purpose and goal:

Advances in the spatial omics field promise to expand our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying disease and provide molecular maps of disease microenvironment in tissues where the pathological activity is occurring, crucial for accurate diagnosis and precision treatment. Available spatial omics methods suffer from limitations in terms of limited sample size, sensitivity, resolution, and high cost.

The objective of this proposal is to develop SpatioOmics: a next-generation spatial omics technology that overcomes limitations associated with current methods. Expected results and effects:

SpatioOmics is a novel technique for detecting and localizing RNA and other molecules within cells and tissues aiming to provide deeper and more comprehensive insights into the functions of different cell types and the development of disease. This method combines screening and localizing of important cellular markers in individual cells without the need for costly reagents or equipment, with the hope of making this type of research accessible to more research labs and ultimately paving the way for the implementation of new scientific advancements in healthcare.

Approach and implementation:

The development of the SpatioOmics technology will be carried out at the Department of Immunology, genetics, and Pathology (IGP), SciLifeLab at Uppsala University. The development plan is divided into two sections 1) The wetlab, where Dr. Ammar Zaghlool will lead the design and experimental work of the project with support from a postdoctoral researcher that will be allocated to the project, 2) The software development will be headed by the National Bioinformatic Infrastructure at the SciLifeLab (NBIS). Both the Postdoctoral researcher and NBIS activities are financed by Vinnova.