Advances in the application of spatial transcriptomics in understanding development and disease

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genomics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Spatial transcriptomics (ST) integrates high-throughput sequencing with positional data.
• It maps gene expression within intact tissues, preserving spatial context.
• ST encompasses tissue-level and spatially resolved single-cell transcriptomics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize recent methodological advances in spatial transcriptomics.
• To review the applications of ST in developmental and clinical questions.
• To define the comprehensive scope of spatial transcriptomics, including multimodal data.

Main Methods:

• High-throughput sequencing combined with positional information.
• Analysis of gene expression at tissue and single-cell resolution.
• Integration of transcriptomics, genomics, epigenomics, and translationalomics data.

Main Results:

• Spatial transcriptomics uncovers cell types, signaling circuits, and regulatory networks.
• It provides insights into organogenesis, differentiation, and disease mechanisms.
• The technology enables mapping of gene expression with high spatial resolution.

Conclusions:

• Spatial transcriptomics is a powerful tool for understanding biological processes in situ.
• Methodological advances are expanding its applications in developmental and clinical research.
• The comprehensive nature of ST, including multimodal data, enhances its utility.