by Researchers led by Ahmet Coskun are embarking on a groundbreaking project to create a comprehensive chemical atlas of immune cells in the human body. This 3D micromap aims to provide clinicians with valuable insights into the intricate workings of the immune system in various disease states, leading to more precise and effective therapies for patients. The journey begins with the analysis of single cells, and Coskun and his team have made significant strides with the development of a new integrative technique for profiling human tissue. This novel approach, known as the Single-Cell Spatially resolved Metabolic (scSpaMet) framework, allows researchers to capture the geography, structure, movement, and function of molecules in a 3D representation.
The scSpaMet framework was described in a recent publication in the journal Nature Communications and builds upon a technique that Coskun’s team previously developed. In an article published in Science Advances in 2021, they introduced a method for measuring the activity of metabolites and proteins, providing a comprehensive profile of human tissue samples. With the scSpaMet framework, the researchers have achieved high subcellular resolution, enabling them to obtain spatial details of proteins and metabolites within single cells.
Coskun refers to this work as pioneering a new field of research called single-cell spatial metabolomics. The complexity of human tissue necessitates tools that can provide clear visibility into its multilayered biological processes and traffic. The scSpaMet framework allows Coskun’s team to capture detailed information about lipids, proteins, and metabolites, as well as the intracellular and surface markers that track cell activity and behavior.
In their study, the researchers expanded the scope beyond human tonsil tissue to investigate the role of immune cells in lung cancer, the metabolic changes during germinal center reactions in tonsils, and the impact of immune cells in the endometrium. This wide-ranging study required collaboration with various institutions, such as Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the University of California-Davis.
The ability to generate single-cell spatial metabolic profiling for individual patients holds vast potential for clinicians. It can provide insights into how immune responses can be enhanced by incorporating dietary molecules alongside immunotherapies, as well as aid in adjusting the dosage of cell-based treatments based on patients’ body mass index. Coskun envisions a future in which a patient’s metabolic atlas, along with their BMI, dietary habits, and exercise commitments, is analyzed to design tailored therapies that work in synergy with biologics and metabolic boosting regimens. This integrated approach could significantly improve the management of cancer, women’s diseases, and metabolic disorders, potentially increasing survival rates.
To realize the full potential of the scSpaMet framework, the researchers need to integrate expensive machines from the fields of nanotechnology and chemistry. However, there is optimism that future optimizations will improve the cost and user-friendliness, making this technology accessible in healthcare settings. Coskun posits that, similar to the revolutionary impact of single-cell sequencing, single-cell spatial metabolic profiling has the potential to propel medical practice to new heights.
The scSpaMet framework represents a significant advancement in the field of immunometabolism. By enabling single-cell spatial metabolomics, researchers can gain unprecedented insights into the metabolic activities of cells in different disease contexts. This knowledge holds promise for the development of personalized therapies and the better understanding of cellular regulation, enhancing the overall management of diseases. With further advancements and integration into clinical practice, spatial single-cell metabolomic medicine has the potential to revolutionize patient stratification and the design of combination therapies for more efficient disease management.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
