Spatial Multiplex Imaging

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Creative Biolabs is a world-leading service provider that is committed to providing the most comprehensive cancer research strategy. In recent years, we established a powerful and innovative technology platform, spatial multiplex imaging, which enables the analysis of multiple biomarkers in a tissue section while maintaining their spatial context. This technology provides a powerful tool for tumor research involving tumor microenvironment, tumor development, invasion, and metastasis.

Introduction of Spatial Multiplex Imaging

A multicellular organism is composed of a wide variety of cell types, which brings great challenges for researching signal transduction networks containing many interacting biomolecular components and spatial relationships between different cell phenotypes in situ. Traditional immunohistochemistry (IHC) is capable of analyzing biomolecules in their original location, but it is limited to 2 to 3 biomarkers per sample. Although next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a powerful technology for the analysis of multiple biomarkers, it can’t detect biomarkers in the spatial context. While the emergence of spatial multiplex imaging (also known as multiplexed IHC) addresses these limitations. It utilizes conventional microscopes and commercially available antibodies to visually analyze multiple biomarkers in their spatial relationships, increasing the rate of discovery of new biomarkers and better demonstrating cell-cell spatial relationships. Especially, spatial multiplex imaging combining with single cell sequencing technology is a perfect combination for studying the spatial context of tumor samples to explain tumor pathology, progression, and treatment response.

Application of Spatial Multiplex Imaging in Cancer Research

  1. Quantitative assessment of the spatial heterogeneity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL)
  2. Increasing evidence has reported total TIL count and TIL subpopulations represent potential predictive markers for immunotherapies. Mani et al (2016) used a multiplexed immunofluorescence (QIF) to quantify TIL to demonstrate intratumor heterogeneity in different fields of view within each section. Results showed T and B lymphocytes have more heterogeneity across the dimensions of a single section than between different sections or regions of a given breast tumor. These results may help to assess the predictive value of TIL for immunotherapies.

    Sample average AQUA scores for spatial multiplex imaging. Fig.1 Average AQUA scores for tonsil whole tissue control samples. (Mani, 2016)

  3. In-depth single-cell spatial profiling
  4. The tumor microenvironment is a dynamic cellular milieu that consists of cancer cells, the surrounding blood vessels, immune cells, fibroblasts, signaling molecules, and the extracellular matrix. Tumor development is highly associated with the physiological state of the tumor microenvironment. Elucidating the complexity of these hierarchical microenvironments is very important for demonstrating disease progression and therapeutic response. The multiplexed imaging technology provides a valuable tool for deeply deciphering the cascade of microenvironments in solid and liquid biopsies.

spatial multiplex imaging for tumors. Fig. 2 Multiplex bioimaging of hierarchical spatial microenvironments in tumors. (Allam, 2020)

Our Capability

Based on our powerful spatial multiplex imaging platform, we support the analysis of a single 5 um tissue section with up to 50 biomarker stains. Our spatial imaging platform was developed by an excellent technical team and multiple external collaborators and has assisted several important projects on spatial. Our service portfolio includes staining, imaging, and imaging QC and analysis based on our proprietary imaging software and algorithms.

Highlights

  • A spatial proteomics research platform, realizing the simultaneous labeling and high-resolution microscopic imaging of up to 50 antibodies on tissue slice samples
  • Performing in-depth data analysis and mining experimental images, to achieve the in-depth analysis of the tissue microenvironment
  • Quantitative research on typing of various types of cells
  • Deeply exploring the biological information contained in the tissue microenvironment and facilitating analysis of cancer cells and their interaction with the immune system in the tumor microenvironment
  • A cloud-based image analysis software and algorithms to support the discovery of multiple biomarkers
  • Support a customized analysis according to your project’s requirement

If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details.

References

  1. Mani, Nikita L., et al. "Quantitative assessment of the spatial heterogeneity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in breast cancer." Breast Cancer Research 18 (2016): 1-10. Distributed under open access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
  2. Allam, Mayar, Shuangyi Cai, and Ahmet F. Coskun. "Multiplex bioimaging of single-cell spatial profiles for precision cancer diagnostics and therapeutics." NPJ precision oncology 4.1 (2020): 11. Distributed under open access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.

Q&As

Q: What technologies are used in spatial multiplex imaging?
A: Key technologies include imaging mass cytometry (IMC), Multiplex Ion Beam Imaging (MIBI), and multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF). These methods utilize metal-tagged or fluorescent antibodies to detect multiple proteins or RNA molecules within tissue samples.
Q: How does spatial multiplex imaging differ from traditional imaging methods?
A: Traditional methods often examine one or a few biomarkers at a time, while spatial multiplex imaging can analyze dozens to hundreds of biomarkers simultaneously. This high-dimensional approach provides a more detailed and holistic view of the tumor microenvironment.
Q: What types of cancer samples can be analyzed using spatial multiplex imaging?
A: This technique can be applied to various types of cancer samples, including fresh frozen tissues, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, and tumor microarrays (TMAs). It is adaptable to different sample preparations, making it versatile for cancer research.
Q: How does spatial multiplex imaging handle data analysis?
A: Data analysis involves advanced bioinformatics tools that process and interpret high-dimensional imaging data. Techniques include data quality control, spatial pattern recognition, and integration of multi-omics data to provide comprehensive insights into the tumor microenvironment.
Q: What are the main applications of spatial multiplex imaging in cancer research?
A: Applications include studying tumor heterogeneity, identifying immune cell interactions, mapping the distribution of cancer biomarkers, and understanding the spatial organization of tumor cells. It also aids in the discovery of therapeutic targets and the development of personalized treatment plans.

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Note: Our sequencing services are for Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Diagnosis.
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