NanoString’s GeoMx™ Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP) combines standard immunofluorescence techniques with digital optical barcoding technology to perform highly multiplexed, spatially resolved profiling experiments. In a single reaction, the DSP technology performs whole slide imaging with up to four fluorescent stains to capture tissue morphology and select regions of interest for high plex profiling. The DSP chemistry enables spatially resolved high plex profiling of RNA and protein targets on just two serial sample sections, with no-destructive tissue processing.

• Minimum sample: protein or RNA analysis from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) or fresh-frozen section. 
• Morphological context: whole-slide 4 color imaging to guide profiling.
• Digital quantitation: up to 6 logs (base 10) dynamic range.
• Preserve precious samples with non-destructive processing.

Key applications include immunology, immuno-oncology, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation. Many different applications can be supported on GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler and the content menu is continuously expanding. See the NanoString website to explore available RNA and protein assays, including the recently released GeoMx Whole Transcriptome Atlas. 

Workflow

The NanoString GeoMx Service is supported by the collaborative efforts of three core facilities at the University of Minnesota: Bionet, UIC, and the UMGC.

1. UMN Biological Material Procurement Network (Bionet) provides optional assistance with tissue sectioning and mounting of FFPE or fresh frozen tissue. BioNet has multiple locations on-campus.
2. University Imaging Center (UIC) stains tissue slides with pre-mixed biological probes and fluorescently-labeled markers, works with investigators on ROI selection, and uses UV exposure to release DSP barcode tags from ROI.
3. UMN Genomics Center (UMGC) quantifies released tags on the nCounter or on an Illumina next-generation sequencer and counts are mapped back to tissue location to yield a digital profile. The UMGC also provides consultation on the GeoMX DSP technology and assists with experimental design.

The UMGC and UIC are neighboring facilities located at 1-210 and 1-220 Cancer & Cardiovascular Research Building (CCRB).  

Start a Project

Researchers will meet with Dr. Fernanda Rodriguez (UMGC), Grant Barthel (UIC), and Colleen Forster (Bionet) to discuss downstream research goals and align with the experimental design.  

In this meeting, we will review available spatial platforms and if the client is ready, we will discuss the number and type of samples, targets of interest (RNA/protein), morphology markers, region of interest (ROI) selection strategies, QC, workflow, timelines, and general overall costs. A specific quote can be provided as per user request. 

Because slides with samples for RNA projects need to be stained and processed within two weeks of being mounted, the spatialomics team and the researcher work closely together for seamless coordination. ROI selection is done by the user, via a Zoom meeting or in person, with Grant’s support.

At the data hand-off meeting, Dr. John Garbe (UMGC) and Grant will provide an overview of the GeoMx software with the user’s data. The user will receive an email with the link to the software and access information that can be shared with collaborators. More in-depth analysis is available with the MSI’s RIS group, please contact Dr. Christine Henzler.

Questions

As the first school in the Big Ten to receive the DSP instrument and adopt this novel technology, the UMGC and UIC scientists are able to use their technical experience to guide and inform researchers on the advantages and current limitations of the technology. Contact Dr. Fernanda Rodriquez at spatialomics@umn.edu with questions on the NanoString’s DSP platform or to schedule a consultation.

Join the UMN Spatialomics Group to connect with other UMN spatial researchers and experts in the spatialomics field.