Th5 - Spatial Whole Transcriptome Analysis of Human Kidney Histological Structures using Digital Spatial Profiling

A thorough understanding of normal tissue biology is crucial to advancing disease treatment. To realize the potential of whole transcriptome spatial profiling in defining organ function at the cellular and molecular level, NanoString has initiated an ambitious project called the "Spatial Organ Atlas." The goal of this initiative is to map the architecture of organ tissue using spatially resolved whole transcriptome profiling. In this study, we report deep profiling of human kidney function by analyzing whole transcriptomes of different histological structures. This work corroborates decades of detailed molecular studies and reveals novel insights into organ physiology. Spatially resolved whole transcriptomic data was benchmarked to orthogonal platforms as an independent validation of results.

Using the GeoMx Digital® Spatial Profiler (DSP) and Whole Transcriptome Atlas, four healthy human kidney samples were analyzed as a proof of principle for spatial organ profiling. We profiled functional structures within the kidney nephron: glomeruli, the glomerular filtration membrane, proximal and distal convoluted tubules, loops of Henle, and collecting ducts. Using the GeoMx DSP allowed for profiling of the whole transcriptome in each of these specific histological structures with high precision. These data can be used as standards for the translational research community to inform future studies of normal vs diseased kidney tissue, for instance in solid organ transplant research. 

Data from this study is publicly available as a resource for the community at https://www.nanostring.com/products/geomx-digital-spatial-profiler/spatial-organ-atlas/.