SM-Omics is an automated platform for high-throughput spatial multi-omics

The spatial organization of cells and molecules plays a key role in tissue function in homeostasis and disease. Spatial transcriptomics has recently emerged as a key technique to capture and positionally barcode RNAs directly in tissues. Here, we advance the application of spatial transcriptomics at scale, by presenting Spatial Multi-Omics (SM-Omics) as a fully automated, high-throughput all-sequencing based platform for combined and spatially resolved transcriptomics and antibody-based protein measurements. SM-Omics uses DNA-barcoded antibodies, immunofluorescence or a combination thereof, to scale and combine spatial transcriptomics and spatial antibody-based multiplex protein detection. SM-Omics allows processing of up to 64 in situ spatial reactions or up to 96 sequencing-ready libraries, of high complexity, in a similar to 2 days process. We demonstrate SM-Omics in the mouse brain, spleen and colorectal cancer model, showing its broad utility as a high-throughput platform for spatial multi-omics.

Automated summary

The spatial organization of cells and molecules is crucial for tissue function and disease. Spatial transcriptomics, a technique for capturing and locating RNA in tissues, has been advanced with the development of a fully automated platform called Spatial Multi-Omics (SM-Omics). SM-Omics combines spatial transcriptomics and antibody-based protein measurement, allowing high-throughput analysis of multiple omics in a short time.