A local transcriptomics guide emerges from the analyzed samples

Technological advances are key to improving the way hematologic cancers are diagnosed and treated. With this vision, the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute is committed to the creation and implementation of new systems that push the boundaries of omics technologies. The intersection of native transcriptomics, genomics, transcriptomics, and advanced microscopy is one of them.

Spatial transcriptomics allows researchers to understand what each cell in a histological section is doing relative to others. In fact, one can literally see what molecular markers are present in each cell of the biopsy, in their original state, and gain a more detailed understanding of the tumor’s structure. This deeper understanding will allow clinical researchers to develop new, ultra-personalized treatment strategies, which have been unimaginable until now.

However, the methodology is so recent that a universal standard is still lacking, which is the reproducibility of experiments, a pillar of the scientific system. To solve this problem, a team of native biologists at the Josep Carreras Institute, led by Dr. Edward Porta and Dr. Daniela Grace, has condensed their experience after analyzing more than a thousand samples in the first practical guide to native transcriptomics, recently published in the journal Trends in Biotechnology.

According to Grace, “The rapid development of local transcriptomics means that many groups face practical obstacles: platform selection, sample quality, sequencing depth, etc.” Therefore, the team offers suggestions on correcting common errors and “coordinating the methodology in a robust and reproducible manner.”

The publication covers all the key elements of a local transcriptomics experiment, such as defining the biological question, optimal number of samples, choosing the appropriate technical platform, and how staff should process and interpret the data.

In Grace’s opinion, the future of spatial transcriptomics is “its integration into clinical workflows, as another element for routine pathology in hospital protocols, to facilitate patient diagnosis.” This is an ambitious future, given that the technology is still in development and its implementation is currently not economically feasible due to material costs and the need for highly specialized personnel.

Thanks to the development of new analytical tools, which are much more powerful than those currently used, we are on the verge of a revolution in the diagnosis of hematologic cancers. Faster, more accurate, and more personalized diagnoses will be key points that the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute embraces to achieve its founding mission: to end blood cancer for all patients.