10x Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TXG), a global leader in single cell and spatial biology, has entered into a research collaboration with the ASTAR Genome Institute of Singapore (ASTAR GIS) for a groundbreaking initiative titled TISHUMAP (Target Inference from Spatialomics & Histology Using Multimodal AI & Phenotypes). The project aims to accelerate drug target discovery and advance precision medicine for cancer and inflammatory diseases by integrating spatial biology with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI).
As part of this collaboration, up to 2,500 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) clinical tissue samples—spanning gastric, liver, and colorectal cancers—will be analyzed using 10x Genomics' Xenium platform. Unlike conventional techniques that require tissue disaggregation, Xenium enables high-resolution visualization of gene expression directly within intact tissue sections. This allows scientists to observe gene activity in situ, within individual cells, and in the context of their surrounding microenvironment.
By combining spatial transcriptomics with advanced AI tools, the TISHUMAP project will map cellular behavior and interactions at the molecular level across thousands of samples. This approach enables the rapid identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, helping to lay the foundation for the next generation of diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with 10x Genomics on TISHUMAP, a pioneering effort in spatial omics-driven drug discovery,” said Dr. Shyam Prabhakar, Associate Director of Spatial and Single Cell Systems at ASTAR GIS. “This initiative unites ASTAR’s leadership in translational genomics with 10x Genomics’ innovation in spatial and single cell technologies to advance cancer research and precision medicine in Asia.”
The partnership will span the full research workflow—from customized gene panel development and sample preparation to data capture and analysis. The two organizations will co-develop smart software pipelines and advanced lab protocols to support scalable, efficient processing of massive spatial biology datasets.
“With Xenium, we’re decoding biology at subcellular resolution and uncovering key mechanisms behind health and disease,” said Serge Saxonov, CEO of 10x Genomics. “Our partnership with A*STAR GIS reinforces our commitment to expanding the frontiers of spatial biology and AI. Together, we’re working to make precision medicine a reality by enabling smarter diagnostics and more effective therapies.”
This collaboration represents a major step toward integrating spatial biology into mainstream clinical research and drug development, ultimately aiming to transform the way complex diseases are understood and treated.