Financiering FWO hercules: ERA platform: Extended RNA Analysis platform - version 2.0

The next stage in the field of transcriptomics is that where there is preservation of spatial information, thus in situ profiling of RNA expression within tissue samples preserving the histology. To this end, we aim to bring our Extensive
RNA Analysis platform (the ERA platform) to the next level (version 2.0). This will specifically enable us mapping individual gene expression and gene expression signatures in the tissue whilst allowing to identify individual cells based on their location in the tissue and their further identification with (antibody-based) marker staining. More specifically, we would like to acquire an advanced tissue
slide scanner (Axio Scan.Z1, Zeiss), that allows incorporation of novel applications such as Spatial Transcriptomics and InSituPlex® (Ultivue Inc.), and in the meanwhile expand and upgrade the current EVOS imaging system and the HALO digital analysis platform to accommodate the increasing needs for state-of-the-art biomarker analysis and deep tissue profiling by the consortium partners.