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Advancing Physiology Research by Single Cell Spatial Transcriptomics

Identifying novel pathways to treat life-threatening diseases

Full Project Name:Advancing Physiology Research by Single Cell Spatial TranscriptomicsPrincipal Investigator:Curt D. Sigmond, PhD, PhysiologyAward Amount:$824,769
Award Date
July2024
Project Duration:48 months

Project Summary:


Cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, and respiratory diseases significantly impact many Wisconsin residents. Conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, kidney disease, and asthma are common in our state and often underdiagnosed, leading to severe health consequences. Additionally, obesity, pre-eclampsia, and cancer worsen these challenges, highlighting an urgent need for advanced research.

This project will use spatial transcriptomics to study gene activity in diseased tissues. The innovative Xenium Profiler technology will allow researchers to analyze gene expression and cell communication within complex tissues like the heart and brain. By investigating these relationships, researchers hope to learn more about the mechanisms behind these diseases and develop targeted treatments.

This project will support research faculty in MCW’s Department of Physiology, fostering collaboration and advancing health research. Ultimately, this project aims to improve the health of Wisconsin residents by laying foundations for new treatments and interventions.

Project Updates:


  • Developed an experimental pipeline for the Xenium process, which is new technology used to profile the expression of up to 5,000 genes simultaneously directly on tissue slices
  • Leveraged the experimental pipeline to conduct data acquisition for 13 projects encompassing nine different faculty in the Department of Physiology focused on examining gene expression relevant to cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, respiratory and renal diseases
  • Initiated studies for seven more projects to continue during the next year of the grant and shifting to data analysis for studies performed to date
  • Used data obtained through the project to inform multiple grant applications, receiving over $8.2 million in leveraged funding with numerous other grant applications under review
  • Conducted 12 presentations to advance knowledge in the field

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