#United States #Irvine #Stellaromics #Pyxa #UC Irvine

Introduction

Stellaromics, a leader in the field of 3D spatial biology, has recently announced a significant milestone: the installation of its first Pyxa™ system in the United States, located at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). This groundbreaking initiative opens new avenues for scientific exploration, particularly in understanding the complexities of human sensory systems.

The Pyxa™ System

The revolutionary Pyxa™ platform is designed to perform high-resolution, multiplexed 3D spatial transcriptomics on intact tissue sections that are up to 100 micrometers thick. This state-of-the-art technology not only preserves the native architecture of tissue but also maintains spatial context across multiple cellular layers. By capturing intricate details at a subcellular level for numerous molecular targets simultaneously, Pyxa™ empowers researchers to probe cell-to-cell interactions and the molecular gradients that exist within various tissue constructs, thereby illuminating the biological processes that contribute to both health and disease.

The Role of Dr. Rui Chen

The installation at UC Irvine is situated within the laboratory of Dr. Rui Chen, a distinguished professor of ophthalmology at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and a key figure in the Human Cell Atlas initiative. Dr. Chen’s expertise lies in mapping the molecular foundations of human sensory systems. His groundbreaking work is focused on constructing a Complete Human Eye Atlas, allowing for meticulous examinations of the eye at a single-cell resolution. By integrating the capabilities of the Pyxa™ platform, Dr. Chen's team can develop comprehensive 3D spatial atlases of the human eye and the trigeminal ganglion, aiming to achieve a deeper understanding of sensory processing in both health and disease contexts.

Strategic Development for Stellaromics

This event symbolizes a strategic expansion for Stellaromics in the United States, building on the previous installation at the University of Glasgow, which took place in October 2025. Todd Dickinson, PhD, the CEO of Stellaromics, commented on this initiative, stating that the installation at UC Irvine marks an important step forward in making 3D spatial biology accessible across U.S. research institutions. He emphasized that Dr. Chen's research is a testament to the company's commitment to unveiling the complexities of tissue biology utilizing the advanced Pyxa™ platform.

Applications of 3D Spatial Biology

Through the application of the Pyxa™ technology, researchers like Dr. Chen aim to map out intricate networks and interactions within tissue, offering significant insights into how sensory systems function in health and potential pathologies. The detailed understanding made possible by this tool could lead to significant advancements in biomedical research and therapeutic approaches, particularly in the realms of ophthalmology and sensory biology.

Stellaromics' Vision

Stellaromics operates with an ambitious mission: to empower researchers with groundbreaking tools that provide clear illumination into the intricacies of biological systems. As a privately held company based in Boston, Massachusetts, it continues to pave the way for innovations in the rapidly evolving domain of 3D spatial biology, thus catalyzing transformative discoveries that benefit human health.

Conclusion

With the deployment of the Pyxa™ system at UC Irvine, Stellaromics embarks on a promising journey to enhance the landscape of scientific research in the U.S., contributing invaluable insights into human sensory systems that could reshape our understanding of biology and disease.