Lunaphore Technologies is a leading solution provider in spatial multi-omics with expertise in combining multiple assays onto one slide. Wollis Vas, Strategy Manager at Lunaphore Technologies, explained that this method allows them to generate deeper insights into cell interactions.
The first step in Vas’s research involved investigating whether multiplex immunofluorescence was applicable to the clinical world. Their market research showed that 47% of their interviewees envisioned multiplex immunofluorescence as a modality for clinical diagnostics. They also imagined that recent advancements in automation and standardisation could help push multiplex fluorescence into the clinical space.
Clinicians are keen to revamp traditional IHC in pathology by bringing in RNA and transcriptomic data to aid with their incoming patient samples. Lunaphore’s COMET is a fully automated assay platform that runs through an enormous volume of samples with designated RNA and protein targets. The resolution of COMET enables researchers to examine a level to understand the localisation of proteins and RNA markers. Furthermore, the company has partnered with BioTechne to use their ACD RNAscope kit, a major RNA probe provider to further the multiomics aspect of the programme.
Vas emphasised that standard IHC and Multiplex proteomics provide insights into patient samples. However, combining these with RNA and Multiplex proteomics on the same slide offers a greater understanding of cell states and underlying factors. Lunaphore’s workflow involves automated processes with manual preprocessing, combining RNA detection and sequential immunofluorescence, resulting in a comprehensive stitched image. The process takes about 30 hours, meaning scientists get results quickly.
Additionally, the technology works downstream of other instruments such as Xenium: a high resolution, imaging-based in situ spatial profiling technology developed by 10x Genomics. Vas stated: “Now you have your Xenium data, and you have the Multiplex immunofluorescence data you can stitch all of that together, the combination of image A and R to get one combined image.” Werewolf Therapeutics has also relied on spatial multiomics to understand changes in the tumour microenvironment.
