Abstract
Purpose :
By integrating single nuclei transcriptomics and spatial dataset, the study aims to establish the spatially resolved single cell atlas of the human developing retina.
Methods :
Spatial single cell transcriptomics technologies, including multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH) and Slide-seq V2, were used to profile human developing retina at multiple time points. For MERFISH, a panel of 870 genes including cell types and states specific markers and key developmental genes were designed based on snRNA-seq data. In parallel, single cell sequencing based methods, such as Slide-seq V2, was applied on the same sample to provide validation and unbiased discovery.
Results :
MERFISH were performed on both fresh frozen and FFPE human developing retina samples. Spatial location and organization of developing cells are determined throughout development. Co-embedding of snRNA-seq with MERFISH and spatial sequencing data reveals the dynamic developmental process at single cell and molecular level. Further analysis of this dataset is in progress.
Conclusions :
Results from our study lead to the generation of the first spatial transcriptomics atlas of the developing human retina at the single cell resolution. With the integration of various data modalities, the study offers a high resolution, comprehensive view of the cell specification, differentiation, and migration in the developing retina.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.