Clinical implementations of spatial transcriptomics in tumors

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R33 · $423,137 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Abstract Tumors reside within a complex multicellular ecosystem comprised of malignant and non- malignant cells, where interacting cells and molecules are organized in space and time. The diversity of these cells and their interactions affect cancer progression and drug response and resistance, and present opportunities for more precise diagnostics and therapeutics. In this proposal, we will develop Slide-seq, a novel spatial transcriptomic method, into a high- resolution spatial genomics platform for cancer precision medicine through a set of robust protocols, pipelines and computational algorithms. Our tools will allow pathologists to apply Slide-seq on a broad range of tumor specimens in the clinic with standard equipment and minimal training. Our novel computational pipelines will allow the seamless integration of molecular, cellular and histological understanding in tumors: they will enable the spatial localization of cell types within complex tumor environments, the identification of spatially varying gene expression patterns driven by pathology, as well as the organization of cellular niches. Applying these approaches will revolutionize our ability to discover changes in tumor spatial and molecular organization during disease progression and treatment, provide new biomarkers for diagnostics and prognostics, and highlight new therapeutic avenues.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10350620
Project number
5R33CA246455-03
Recipient
BROAD INSTITUTE, INC.
Principal Investigator
Orr Ashenberg
Activity code
R33
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2022
Award amount
$423,137
Award type
5
Project period
2020-03-02 → 2023-02-28