MACSima: spatial targeted multi-omics
Services & technology
The MACSima platform (Miltenyi Biotec; read more about the technology on this webpage) is an advanced system designed for high-content imaging and spatial biology. It combines cyclic immunofluorescence imaging with a vast portfolio of antibodies to analyze hundreds of protein markers within a single tissue section. Recently, the MACSima portfolio was expanded with probes that allow the detection of a -for now - limited number of RNA molecules on the same section. This platform is fully automated, making it easy to perform complex spatial biology experiments and generate detailed multiomics data.
Key features include:
- High-plex imaging: analyze over 200 protein markers and multiple RNAs simultaneously.
- Automation: streamlined workflows reduce experimental workload.
- Versatility: suitable for various fixed samples, including tissues and single cells.
- Comprehensive analysis: integrated software for easy data interpretation and visualization
The MACSima platform is ideal for researchers looking to explore the spatial organization of tissues, identify cellular neighborhoods and biomarkers, and understand the tumor microenvironment in great detail.
In 2022, a team of principal investigators within CRIG & VIB-UGent was awarded with a grant from ‘Stichting tegen Kanker’ to install a MACSima platform in Ghent (read more...). The MACSima technology has been installed in Ghent and services on the MACSima platform are provided via VIB's Spatial Catalyst. The platform is available for all research teams within CRIG as well as for external collaborators.
VIB hosts several cutting-edge spatial technologies in the fields of spatial transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics and we offer guidance in selecting the right experimental approach to address your scientific question. Once a certain approach is chosen, we guide our users to state of the art tools for data processing and analysis. Besides our own VIB researchers, we also offer our expertise and devices to other academic and industrial users. Do not hesitate to contact us using the link on the bottom of this page to discuss your project.
Team
- Evelien Van Hamme – Team lead
- Elina Kuznecova – sample preparation
- Frank Vernaillen, Arne Defauw and Julien Mortier – data analysis
Contact
- Address: VIB Spatial Catalyst, VIB Technologies, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Spatial Catalyst website
- Service enquiries