π Note: These analyses were done on Visium data courtesy of 10x Genomics, but the approaches apply to other grid-based spatial technologies, like Visium HD.
#SpatialTranscriptomics #SingleCell #Bioinformatics #Visium #10xGenomics #CancerResearch #SpatialOmics #SpatialBiology
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π‘ Bottom line:
If you've got spatial data, use the space!
Classic single-cell tools are a great start, but ST's real power comes from its spatial context. Don't waste it.
Want us to cover other platforms or methods?
Drop your thoughts in the comments β let's make lemonade! π
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3. Gene-distance correlation
π― Goal: Link gene expression and distance to a structure.
We tested ERBB2 expression vs distance to the tumor margin.
π΅ Inside the tumor = negative distance
π΄ Outside = positive
β‘οΈ ERBB2 expression drops as distance increases β just as expected.
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2. Neighborhood analysis
π― Goal: See if clusters co-occur in space or avoid each other.
β
Immune cells (cluster 4) are enriched (z-score>0) near tumor cells (cluster 1).
Why does this matter? It can drive downstream analyses like cell-to-cell communication between clusters.
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1. Spatial clustering
π― Goal: Find regions with distinct gene expression and spatial coherence.
β
In a HER2+ breast cancer sample, spatial-aware clustering found immune cells (green) around the tumor, just like the pathologist said.
β Expression-only clustering missed it.
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Here's our take:
We LOVE ST β€οΈ. But we get the skepticism. Too often, spatial data is treated like single-cell data with coordinates slapped on. That's like buying lemons and forgetting to make lemonade!
π Here are 3 spatially-aware analyses to get the most out of your ST data:
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How to squeeze your spatial transcriptomics data? π
Some scientists claim spatial transcriptomics (ST) will replace single-cell technologies. Others say it's just a pricier single-cell with a nice visual output. So...who's right?
A thread on #SpatialTranscriptomics β¬οΈ
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