#transcriptomics

Abreast with Cells

Characterisation of the 12 cell types that make up the human breast by profiling their gene activity (transcriptome). This analysis provides a resource which both distinguishes them and reveals the biological processes in which they participate

Read the published research article here

Image from work by Katelyn Del Toro and Rosalyn Sayaman, and colleagues

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA

Image originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Published in PLOS Biology, November 2024

More Than Immunity

As skin develops before birth it's rich in innate (a first response, rather than an adapting form of defence) immune cells, including macrophages. By creating a reference atlas of pre-natal human skin (7–17 weeks post-conception), combining single-cell and spatial transcriptomics (locating active genes) data, this study finds that macrophages play a role beyond providing immunity, driving the development of vessels in the skin

Read the published research article here

Still from video from work by Nusayhah Hudaa Gopee, Elena Winheim and Bayanne Olabi, and colleagues

Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK

Video originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution – NonCommercial – NoDerivs (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Published in Nature, October 2024

Regeneration Shift

Mainly found in an ancient lake in Mexico, axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) have the ability to regenerate after injury. Research groups investigate this from different angles – here one team studies regenerating after amputation. They find that growth of cells and tissues accelerates in the emerging 'tiny limb' (top row), until it reaches a similar size to the slower-growing un-amputated limb (bottom). The growth rate and final size are related to the number of nerves serving the growing tissue. Elsewhere, scientists are studying regenerating axolotl brains. Using spatial transcriptomics they find injury prompts a 'reset' in some stem cells, back to a state similar to those found during development. Following a similar developmental pattern, the cells becoming neurons that connect the regrown tissue to nearby brain areas. Whether probing tissues or shifting focus to genes, future axolotl studies may reveal common ground with our ancient ancestor, guiding new approaches in regenerative medicine.

Written by John Ankers

Image from work on limb regeneration by Kaylee M Wells and colleagues, Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA

Work on brain regeneration by Katharina Lust, Ashley Maynard, Tomás Gomes and colleagues, ETH Zürich, Switzerland and Vienna Biocenter, Austria

Video originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Publications linked in the text

The Spatial Genomics Revolution: Why Scientists Are Getting Excited About Mapping Genes in Space

Imagine that scientists can now see precisely where genes are operating inside the architecture of a tissue sample, rather than merely knowing which genes are active in it. It's similar to going from a basic ingredient list to a comprehensive recipe that explains the functions of each ingredient and when to use it. Spatial genomics is a cutting-edge subject that is revolutionizing our understanding of illnesses and the creation of remedies.

A Market That's Taking Off

The numbers tell an impressive story. According to Meticulous Research, the global spatial genomics and transcriptomics market is projected to reach $3.23 billion by 2031, growing at an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.8% from 2024 to 2031. This explosive growth rate is more than double what many earlier projections suggested, reflecting just how rapidly this field is accelerating.

What's Driving This Growth?

Spatial genomics is becoming more and more popular due to a number of variables. The first is the link to cancer. There are completely new therapy options available when scientists can pinpoint the precise location of cancer genes that are activated within a tumor and how they interact with nearby healthy tissue. The same is true for neurological disorders; treating diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's requires an awareness of the spatial patterns of gene activity in brain tissue. Pharmaceutical businesses are following suit. Spatial genomics offers a torch in a field where traditional drug development frequently feels like tossing darts in the dark. Businesses may observe the effects of possible therapies on particular cells in their native habitat, which helps to focus and, ideally, improve the success of medication research.

The Challenges Are Real

Let's face it, though, things aren't always easy. The largest obstacle? Price. Due to the high cost of these devices, many labs are reluctant to undertake such significant expenditures in the absence of assurances of returns. In addition, there is the element of intricacy. Many companies lack the serious skills needed to operate spatial genomics technology and interpret the enormous quantities it generates. The data difficulty comes next. Since we are mapping thousands of genes over millions of tissue sites, these experiments produce vast amounts of data. Research workflows are hampered by the shortcomings of traditional analysis techniques.

Geographic Hotspots

With its robust biotech sector and well-funded research institutes, North America presently dominates the market, but Asia-Pacific is starting to emerge as the fastest-growing area with the highest anticipated CAGR. Rising pharmaceutical and healthcare research funding, more research labs, and developing research frameworks in nations like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are all contributing factors to this rapid expansion. Europe continues to grow steadily thanks to robust pharmaceutical sectors and benevolent regulatory environments. As their healthcare systems advance, emerging markets in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are starting to investigate these technologies.

Key Players

The key players operating in the global spatial genomics & transcriptomics market are NanoString Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), 10X Genomics, Inc. (U.S.), Illumina, Inc. (U.S.), Oxford Nanopore Technologies Plc. (U.K.), Akoya Biosciences, Inc. (U.S.), Revvity, Inc. (U.S.), S2 Genomics, Inc. (U.S.), Cantata Bio (U.S.), Vizgen Inc. (U.S.), Biospyder Technologies Inc. (U.S.), and Resolve Biosciences GmbH (Germany).

Looking Ahead

Perhaps the most intriguing advancement that lies ahead is the incorporation of artificial intelligence. Researchers can use AI to interpret intricate spatial data patterns that are impossible to find by hand. Additionally, we're making strides toward single-cell resolution; picture tracing gene activity cell by cell rather than only at the tissue level. There is more to the spatial genomics business than just another biotech fad. It's radically altering the way we research biology and create therapies. Although there are still issues with cost and complexity, the promise to completely transform medicine continues to spur investment and innovation.

Download Sample Report Here @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5763

Animal husbandry All four grey mouse lemurs (M. murinus) included in this atlas originated from the closed captive breeding colony at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Brunoy, France, and were transferred together to the University of Texas (Austin) in 2009 and then to Stanford University in 2015 and maintained for non-invasive phenotyping and genetic research as approved by the…