Leica Microsystems
Mauro Baron1, Ann Wheeler2, Paul McCormick3
1Leica Microsystems, Italy. 2Advanced Imaging Resource, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. 3Leica Microsystems, United Kingdom
Workshop Room 11C
There has been a huge shift in the microscopy world towards spatial omics, which integratates data from -omics technologies with spatial information, enabling researchers to analyze tissues while preserving spatial context. This is crucial for understanding diverse biological processes in healthy or diseased conditions.
For spatial omics, the collection of clean starting material, down to single cell level, without mixing molecular information with neighboring cells is essential. Laser Microdissection (LMD) is a highly precise way to isolate pure samples and preserve spatial context for downstream omics. With the added demand for large numbers of material for statistical analysis, there is also a growing interest in automated collection and AI tools1-4.
In this workshop, we will demonstrate new workflows for AI-guided LMD to collect regions of interest (ROI) separately or in predefined groups, offering an easier and faster approach to -omics sample preparation.
We’ll also show how LMD can be combined with THUNDER for high-resolution fluorescence imaging. These images can then be analyzed with Aivia AI Software to identify cells of a defined phenotype and define ROIs. These will be saved in an LMD-compatible file ready to import back into the LMD software.
Using one system for AI-guided LMD and high-resolution imaging saves space and maximizes the use of the system. In this way, the LMD workflow can build a bridge between the upstream imaging facilities and the downstream ‘omics facilities.
This workshop will be jointly presented by Dr Ann Wheeler, Head of the Advanced Light Microscopy and Super-resolution Microscopy facility at The University of Edinburgh, who will share her experience with LMD and perspective on how to best integrate it into imaging facilities.
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