Spatial Transcriptomics

Spatial Transcriptomics developed foundational technology for spatially resolved transcriptomics, which allows researchers to visualize and quantitatively analyze gene expression within the native context of tissue sections. The technology was created to address the need for genomic analysis that preserves the morphological context of cells, which is lost in traditional sequencing methods that require tissue homogenization. The core of the technology involves placing tissue sections onto glass slides with a grid of spatially barcoded probes that capture messenger RNA (mRNA). This process combines microscopy with RNA sequencing, enabling the creation of a two-dimensional map of all gene activity (the transcriptome) directly onto a tissue image.

The company originated from a joint research project at the Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) in Stockholm, Sweden, between the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and Karolinska Institutet. It was co-founded by researchers Joakim Lundeberg and Jonas Frisén. The technology built upon decades of advancements in molecular biology, including in situ hybridization (ISH) and microarray technologies. In December 2018, Spatial Transcriptomics was acquired by 10x Genomics, a life sciences technology company based in Pleasanton, California, for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition was part of 10x Genomics' strategy to expand its product portfolio into spatial genomics, complementing its existing single-cell analysis tools. Following the acquisition, the Stockholm-based team was integrated into 10x Genomics to continue development, and the technology became the basis for 10x's commercially available Visium Spatial Gene Expression platform.

The business model centered on selling tools and consumables to biomedical research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical centers. By providing a method to link gene expression data to specific locations within a tissue, the technology has significant applications in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and developmental biology, offering critical insights into tumor microenvironments, disease progression, and cellular organization.

Keywords: spatial genomics, gene expression, transcriptomics, tissue analysis, RNA sequencing, spatial biology, molecular mapping, oncology research, neuroscience research, immunology research, developmental biology, Visium, 10x Genomics, Joakim Lundeberg, Jonas Frisén, SciLifeLab, tissue context, single-cell resolution, in situ capture, gene mapping, biomedical research tools