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Spatial transcriptomics has transformed our understanding of gene expression by preserving the spatial context within tissues. This review focuses on the application of spatial transcriptomics in human cardiac tissues, exploring current technologies with a focus on commercially available platforms. We also highlight key studies utilizing spatial transcriptomics to investigate cardiac development, electro-anatomy, immunology, and ischemic heart disease. These studies demonstrate how spatial transcriptomics can be used in conjunction with other omics technologies to provide a more comprehensive picture of human health and disease. Despite its transformative potential, spatial transcriptomics comes with several challenges that limit its widespread adoption and broader application. By addressing these limitations and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, spatial transcriptomics has the potential to become an essential tool in cardiovascular research. We hope this review serves as a practical guide for researchers interested in adopting spatial transcriptomics, particularly those with limited prior experience, by providing insights into current technologies, applications, and considerations for successful implementation.
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; Lin, Wei Tung 2 ; Lin, Bruce 2 ; Sivakumar, Raam 3
; Sar, Funda 4 ; Singhera, Gurpreet 5
; Wang, Ying 6 ; Parker, Jeremy 7 ; Stephane Le Bihan 4
; Singh, Amrit 3
; Rossi, Fabio MV 2
; Collins, Colin 8 ; Bashir, Jamil 9 ; Laksman, Zachary 10 1 Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B9, Canada; Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
2 School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B9, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
3 Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
4 Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
5 Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
6 Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
7 School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B9, Canada; Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
8 Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
9 Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
10 School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B9, Canada; Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada