#United States #San Jose #Complete Genomics #oncology research #Spatial Xcellerator

Celebrating Innovation in Spatial Transcriptomics

Complete Genomics, a leader in genomic sequencing technology, has recently announced the recipients of its Spatial Xcellerator Grant Program. Out of a competitive pool of 30 applicants, four groundbreaking projects have been selected, particularly addressing critical health challenges, such as oncology, pediatric brain tumors, spinal cord injury, and Alzheimer’s disease. This initiative represents an essential step towards pushing the boundaries of spatial omics research, providing scientists with advanced tools to explore and understand the complex biological landscapes related to these conditions.

Rob Tarbox, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Complete Genomics, emphasizes the program's goal: "We designed the Spatial Xcellerator Grant Program to give scientists access to the most advanced spatial transcriptomics tools available." The creativity and scientific rigor demonstrated by the winning projects underscore the immense potential of spatial omics to shed light on areas like cancer, neurodegeneration, and tissue regeneration.

Winners of the Spatial Xcellerator Grant Program

The winners are:

1. Dorothee Günther - Postdoctoral fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
2. Charles A. Ishak - Assistant professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
3. John Kramer - Associate professor at the University of British Columbia's Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics
4. Richard Lu - Scientific director at the Brain Tumor Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital

Unlocking New Understanding of Spinal Cord Injuries

Among the winners, John Kramer has made significant contributions to the understanding of spinal cord injuries. He notes that spatial transcriptomics offers unique insights into gene expression patterns, even within damaged tissues. "Spatial transcriptomics provides an unprecedented ability to map gene expression directly within intact and damaged spinal cord tissue, revealing how distinct cell populations and molecular pathways interact at and around the injury site," Kramer states. This innovative methodology enables researchers to identify region-specific responses and discover previously obscured molecular behaviors that are vital for repair mechanisms following spinal injuries.

A Commitment to Advancing Human Health

The grant program is part of Complete Genomics' broader initiative to foster research innovations in human health. This commitment is mirrored in their role as the exclusive U.S. distributor of STOmics' innovative Stereo-seq technology for spatial transcriptomics. By promoting advancements in spatial omics research, Complete Genomics aims to empower scientists, enhancing the development of novel therapeutic strategies for complex diseases.

Rob Tarbox expressed pride in supporting such innovative work: "We’re proud to support work that will not only push the boundaries of spatial biology but also accelerate the impact of these discoveries on human health." This type of initiative allows for the translation of cutting-edge scientific research into practical applications that can significantly improve patient care and outcomes.

About Complete Genomics

Founded in 2005, Complete Genomics has pioneered significant advancements in high-throughput, cost-effective DNA sequencing technologies. Their solutions have facilitated over 9,400 publications across diverse research fields, reflecting their commitment to fueling scientific breakthroughs. With a continuous dedication to innovation in genomic sequencing, Complete Genomics positions itself at the forefront of life sciences. For more information on their latest initiatives and technologies, visit their official website at Complete Genomics.

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This grant program is meant for research purposes only and is not intended for diagnostic applications.