Spatial Multiplexing and Omics

Authors

Julienne L Carstens
Santhoshi N Krishnan
Arvind Rao
Anna G Sorace
Erin H Seeley
Sammy Ferri-Borgogno
Jared K Burks

Language

English

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Journal

Nature Reviews Methods Primers

DOI

10.1038/s43586-024-00330-6

PMID

40880840

PMCID

PMC12382484

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

8-28-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

Much like solving a game of Clue, understanding physiological mysteries involves answering who, what, when, and where. Multi-omics approaches delve into cellular and molecular identities (the who and what), while longitudinal data collection addresses the when. Spatial dimensions address the where. This Primer discusses current technologies enabling quantification across biological scales, emphasizing the importance of retaining the spatial dimension of that data. We outline experimental design considerations, including targeted versus untargeted approaches, sample types, biological scale, and four main classes of molecule detection. Spatial analytics are explored, covering questioning approaches, analytical platforms, image segmentation and sampling. Example applications, reproducibility considerations, limitations and our outlook for the future are provided. Our goal is to unite spatial platforms and biological scales that not commonly brought together to encourage collaboration and innovation between diverse biological fields, offering a conceptional framework and an apples-to-apples comparison for understanding major technologies to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue.

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Carstens, Julienne L; Krishnan, Santhoshi N; Rao, Arvind; et al., "Spatial Multiplexing and Omics" (2024). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 5632.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthgsbs_docs/5632