A new method for mapping gene activity in cells and tissues using light technology
Official title: Light-Seq: Spatially targeted profiling of transcriptomic states in cells and tissue
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-11044137 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to look at how genes work in specific cells within tissues, which could help doctors better understand and treat diseases by using a gentle method that doesn't harm the samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $521,296 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HG012926-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044137 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that require detailed tissue analysis, such as cancer or neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve complex tissue analysis or those who are not undergoing any form of tissue sampling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel platform called Light-Seq that allows scientists to analyze the gene activity of specific cell populations within intact biological samples. By using light-directed DNA barcoding, researchers can select and sequence the transcriptomic information from rare cell types based on their location and characteristics without damaging the tissue. This method aims to make spatial transcriptomics more accessible and cost-effective for clinical applications, potentially improving how diseases are understood and treated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the ability to diagnose and treat diseases by providing detailed insights into the gene activity of specific cell types within tissues.
How similar studies have gone: Other research in spatial transcriptomics has shown promising results, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in understanding cellular functions and disease mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yin, Peng — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Yin, Peng
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.