What's Happening?
A study has systematically compared imaging spatial transcriptomics (iST) platforms using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues to assess their technical performance. The research involved three platforms: Xenium, MERSCOPE, and CosMx, focusing
on their ability to handle various tissue types, including tumors and normal tissues. The study found that each platform has different strengths and trade-offs in terms of transcript detection and gene expression correlation. Xenium showed higher transcript counts per gene, while CosMx offered a larger panel size, detecting more genes overall. The study highlights the importance of choosing the right platform based on specific research needs.
Why It's Important?
This benchmarking is crucial for researchers in genomics and pathology, as it provides insights into the capabilities and limitations of different iST platforms. Understanding these differences can guide experimental design and improve the accuracy of gene expression studies, which are vital for cancer research and personalized medicine. The findings could influence the choice of technology in clinical settings, impacting diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. As spatial transcriptomics becomes more integrated into research and healthcare, these insights will help optimize workflows and enhance data reliability.
