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A*STAR, NanoString, and Next Level Genomics Collaborate to Establish SpACE-Dx Lab in Singapore

A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), NanoString® Technologies, Inc., and Next Level Genomics (NLG) have joined forces to establish the SpACE-Dx lab (Spatial Atlas of Clinical Evolution of Disease) in Singapore. This collaborative effort aims to leverage spatial biology to identify biomarkers that can predict disease progression and treatment response, with a primary focus on cancer.

The SpACE-Dx lab, situated within A*STAR’s GIS facility, will serve as a hub for researchers in Singapore, providing access to advanced spatial multiomic technologies. By harnessing gene and protein expression data in the context of tissue structure, including cancer cells and their microenvironment, scientists will gain insights into how cells change and interact during disease development and progression.

A*STAR’s GIS brings its expertise in genomics research, sequencing technologies, data analytics, and spatial omics to the collaboration. NLG, a leading provider of next-generation sequencing services, will contribute its laboratory expertise in spatial genomics using NanoString instruments. NanoString, a leader in spatial biology, offers powerful laboratory tools that enable researchers to measure the multi-modal expression of genes and proteins.

Dr. David Klinzing, Chief Technology Officer of NLG, expressed excitement about the collaborative effort, highlighting the addition of cutting-edge technology from NanoString to A*STAR’s research. Dr. Jay Manikandan, NanoString’s Director of Sales for Asia Pacific and Japan, emphasized the joint lab’s importance as a resource for researchers in Singapore and the wider region, enabling personalized and scalable solutions.

Dr. Ramanuj DasGupta, Senior Group Leader at A*STAR’s GIS, who is leading the establishment of the SpACE-Dx joint laboratory, expressed hope that this collaboration would lead to significant discoveries that can be translated into clinical applications.

The SpACE-Dx lab represents a significant step forward in advancing spatial genomics research and its application in complex diseases, particularly cancer. By fostering collaboration and providing access to state-of-the-art technologies, this joint effort is poised to accelerate advancements in the field and contribute to improved healthcare outcomes.

For more information about A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), please visit www.a-star.edu.sg/gis.

About A*STAR:
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore’s lead public sector R&D agency. A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry, creating economic growth and enhancing lives through research in biomedical sciences, physical sciences, and engineering.

About Next Level Genomics (NLG):
Next Level Genomics is a dedicated PacBio Hi-Fi Long-read sequencing laboratory in Singapore, providing genome expertise in various research areas. NLG’s mission is to equip individuals with the tools and expertise needed to harness cutting-edge technologies and explore transformative questions in health, agriculture, and basic science.

About NanoString Technologies, Inc.:
NanoString Technologies is a leader in spatial biology, offering innovative discovery and translational research solutions. Their platforms, including the GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler and CosMx Spatial Molecular Imager, enable researchers to map gene expression and protein data in the context of tissue structure, facilitating deep biological insights and novel discoveries.

Source: A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), NanoString Technologies, Inc., Next Level Genomics (NLG)

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