Mapping the organization of molecules and cells in tissues using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Integrated experimental and statistical tools for ultra-high-throughput spatial transcriptomics
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10727130 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to take detailed pictures of how genes work in individual cells, which could help us understand diseases better and find new treatments that might help patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $436,150 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HG013180-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10727130 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve complex cellular interactions, such as cancer or neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve significant cellular or molecular interactions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative imaging technologies to create detailed maps of gene expression in tissues at a single-cell level. By utilizing a method called MERFISH, the team aims to improve the speed and efficiency of capturing spatial information about how cells and molecules interact within healthy and diseased tissues. The project combines experimental techniques with advanced statistical methods to analyze complex data, ultimately providing insights into cellular functions and interactions. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of disease mechanisms and potential new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding diseases at a molecular level, potentially informing new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While some research has explored similar imaging techniques, this approach aims to significantly enhance the speed and resolution of spatial transcriptomics, making it a novel endeavor.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Hee-Sun — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Han, Hee-Sun
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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.