MapOmics is a state-of-the-art spatial transcriptomics platform dedicated to high-resolution mapping of gene expression across tissues using Slide-seq technology. This method enables the spatial reconstruction of the transcriptome at near-single-cell resolution while preserving the native tissue architecture.
MapOmics is a partner platform within the national Spatial Cell ID EquipEx+ initiative (https://spatial-cell-id.ens-lyon.fr), coordinated by ENS de Lyon, and contributes to the development of next-generation spatial omics capabilities for the French research community.
Technology Overview
Slide-seq operates by transferring RNA from freshly frozen tissue slices onto barcoded beads affixed to a slide. Each bead’s unique DNA barcode corresponds to a known spatial coordinate, enabling transcriptomic data to be spatially resolved after sequencing. The method permits high-throughput, unbiased profiling of gene expression while retaining the original architecture of the tissue. Tissue sections can also undergo immunolabeling for protein co-detection, with resulting images integrated with transcriptomic data to generate 3D molecular maps of tissue structure and function.
Applications
MapOmics supports a wide range of research applications, including:
- Spatial gene expression profiling: Localize active gene regions across tissue landscapes.
- Tissue heterogeneity analysis: Characterize cellular diversity in complex organs.
- Neuroscience: Explore spatial gene activity in brain circuits and neurodevelopment.
- Developmental biology: Track gene expression patterns during organogenesis.
Instrumentation
The platform is equipped with a Leica MICA slide scanner, offering high-resolution and multimodal imaging capabilities:
- Acquisition modes: wide-field, deconvolution, high-resolution, Z-stacks.
- Objectives: 10x/0.45, 20x/0.8, and 40x/0.95.
- Member list
