New Capability for Spatial Molecular Imaging at King's College London

In recent years, advances in technology have provided researchers with the opportunity to map the distribution of many molecules simultaneously within a tissue. CosMx Spatial Molecular Imager is one of the newest generation instruments that can for the first time map the location of thousands of molecules at a time within individual cells in a 3D context.

In this proposal, we intend to purchase a CosMx, so that we can use it to enhance our understanding of how individual cells interact with their neighbours and their environment, and how cells organise themselves into tissues and organs. Ultimately, this spatial information will provide insights into biological functions necessary to human life. Our research aims to dig deeper into the study of complex interactions between cells and the way in which their interaction may fail.

This will further our knowledge of how humans develop, and how diseases arise and progress. It will help us build better treatments and new therapies, such as those to regenerate lost organ function.

We have circulated a survey to research groups within King's College London to gauge the need for this instrument. Based on the survey's results, 50 academics across 19 departments and 3 faculties will use CosMx to explore over 1000 samples and, in turn,advance healthcare research. By acquiring this instrument and setting up the infrastructure to analyse data from CosMx, we will enable an unrivalled body of knowledge.

These projects include the development of new methods for medical research, improving understanding of the interaction between cells, developing knowledge for cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as identifying new drugs and approaches to regenerate organs and restore their original functionality.

At King's College London, we have established other technologies that are complementary to CosMx. We plan to establish a new facility which will include CosMx, so researchers will be able to easily access it. We will also promote the capability of this state-of-the-art instrument to researchers at King's College London, and throughout the local area of London and SE of England.

Our objective is to maximise the benefits of this instrument for the research community. King's College London is highly supportive of this initiative providing a 20% contribution over the cost of instrument acquisition and substantial support for its long term sustainability. Moreover, this acquisition will promote the potential of uniquely qualified post-doctoral fellows and technical and research technical professionals to develop in their careers.