New spatial genomics platforms—capable of capturing multiple layers of information from tumors—will be key drivers of future discoveries, researchers say, as they work to better understand the complex environments surrounding cancer cells.
Unlocking the Secrets of Tumor Ecosystems
Advancements in single-cell and spatial biology are providing unprecedented insights into how tumors behave and respond to treatment.
- Tumor ecosystems are incredibly diverse, comprised of many different cell types and states.
- The Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Cancer Ecosystems Project is collaborating with the Single-cell Analytics Innovation Lab (SAIL) to expand capabilities in this field.
- SAIL, established in 2017, is focused on integrating new technologies and analytical methods for single-cell sequencing and imaging.
- New spatial genomics platforms are poised to revolutionize our understanding of cancer.
Tumor ecosystems aren’t simple; they’re bustling communities of diverse cell types and states that significantly influence how a tumor grows and responds to therapy. To investigate these complex lesions with greater precision, the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Cancer Ecosystems Project is working closely with the Single-cell Analytics Innovation Lab (SAIL) to expand single-cell and spatial biology capabilities, along with the advanced computational tools needed to interpret the resulting data.
SAIL was established in 2017 as the first of several innovation labs driving cutting-edge technology research and development. Led by Dana Pe’er, SAIL Scientific Director and Chair of the Computational & Systems Biology Program, and Ronan Chaligné, SAIL Director, the lab’s mission is to integrate emerging technologies and robust analytical methods in the rapidly evolving fields of single-cell sequencing and imaging-based profiling technologies. This work supports discovery efforts for over 70 research labs.
“New spatial genomics platforms—capable of capturing multiple layers of information from tumors—will be key drivers of future discoveries,” said Ronan Chaligné. “At SAIL, we have implemented several of these technologies over the past two years, but with even more powerful approaches now in development, it’s essential that we stay at the cutting edge. Joining forces with Ecosystems, SAIL is uniquely positioned to continue pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible, translating research innovation and new biology into meaningful impact for patients.”
SAIL continues to lead in single-cell and spatial analytics by developing in-house approaches and beta-testing new technologies through commercial partnerships. To support current and future ecosystems-based science, SAIL focuses on optimizing sample collection and processing from various model systems and clinical specimens, establishing protocols for an expanding range of platforms. The computational team, led by Roshan Sharma, benchmarks new tools, creates pipelines to handle the computational demands of these technologies, and provides training resources for researchers to analyze their own data.
