In a groundbreaking collaboration announced on July 17, 2025, 10x Genomics, Inc., a leader in single cell and spatial biology, and the ASTAR Genome Institute of Singapore (ASTAR GIS) have launched the Target Inference from Spatialomics & Histology Using Multimodal AI & Phenotypes (TISHUMAP) project. This ambitious initiative aims to revolutionize drug target discovery by combining the cutting-edge Xenium platform with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze thousands of tissue samples, with a focus on cancer and inflammatory diseases.
The TISHUMAP study will analyze up to 2,500 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) clinical tissue samples, including those from gastric, liver, and colorectal cancers. Unlike traditional techniques that require tissues to be broken down for analysis, 10x Genomics’ Xenium platform enables researchers to visualize gene activity directly within individual cells in intact tissue samples. This unique capability produces a comprehensive and precise molecular-level map, illustrating how cells are positioned, interact, and function within their natural biological context.
When combined with sophisticated AI, this approach allows researchers to swiftly detect critical patterns across large datasets, significantly advancing the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The ultimate goal of the collaboration is to pave the way for the development of new diagnostics and personalized treatment plans for patients, marking a significant step forward in precision medicine.
Dr. Shyam Prabhakar, Associate Director of Spatial and Single Cell Systems at ASTAR GIS, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with 10x Genomics on TISHUMAP, a transformative initiative in large-scale spatial omics for drug target discovery. TISHUMAP builds on ASTAR GIS's leading role in translational genomics in Asia and 10x Genomics' commitment to advancing human health through spatial and single cell innovations. Together, we are building the foundation for new diagnostics and more effective therapies for various cancers and precancerous conditions.”
The collaboration encompasses both data generation and analysis phases. It includes the development of tailored gene panels designed to address specific research questions and intelligent software pipelines that efficiently manage the massive datasets generated. By streamlining laboratory workflows and creating advanced tools for sample preparation, image capture, and spatial biology data analysis, ASTAR GIS and 10x Genomics aim to simplify and accelerate the research process.
Serge Saxonov, CEO of 10x Genomics, underscored the transformative potential of their technology: “With Xenium, we are uncovering how biology works at subcellular resolution, revealing the underlying mechanisms of health and disease. By delivering accessible and transformative spatial biology, Xenium empowers scientists everywhere to ask bigger questions and unlock discoveries that were previously out of reach. Spatial biology and advanced AI is the future of precision medicine. We are proud to partner with ASTAR GIS to accelerate the development of new diagnostics and therapies.”
10x Genomics is renowned for its integrated research solutions that include instruments, consumables, and software for single cell and spatial biology. These tools have been instrumental in breakthroughs across oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and other fields, helping researchers understand biological systems at an unprecedented resolution and scale. The company’s products have fueled powerful discoveries that are reshaping the global understanding of health and disease.
The ASTAR Genome Institute of Singapore is a leading center for genomic sciences, with a mission to harness genomic research for extraordinary improvements in human health and societal prosperity. Established in 2000, ASTAR GIS integrates technology, genetics, and biology to achieve academic, economic, and societal impact. Its key research areas include Precision Medicine & Population Genomics, Genome Informatics, Spatial & Single Cell Systems, Epigenetic & Epitranscriptomic Regulation, Genome Architecture & Design, and Sequencing Platforms. The institute also plays a vital role in training new scientific talent and bridging academic and industrial research.
The TISHUMAP project represents a significant advancement in the application of spatial biology and AI to drug discovery. By preserving the integrity of tissue samples and visualizing gene activity within the spatial context of cells, researchers can gain insights into how cellular neighborhoods and interactions influence disease progression and treatment response. This is particularly important for cancers like gastric, liver, and colorectal types, which often have distinct molecular profiles in Asian populations compared to Western counterparts.
The integration of AI with spatial biology data enables the detection of subtle but critical patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. The development of custom gene panels and intelligent software pipelines ensures that the vast and complex data can be managed efficiently, facilitating faster and more accurate discoveries.
This collaboration not only aims to accelerate the identification of novel biomarkers and drug targets but also to establish a foundation for future diagnostics and personalized medicine strategies. By tailoring treatments to the unique molecular and spatial characteristics of individual patients’ tumors, the hope is to improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce side effects.
In the broader context, the TISHUMAP initiative exemplifies the growing trend of combining advanced technologies like spatial omics and AI to tackle complex biomedical challenges. Such interdisciplinary efforts are essential to push the boundaries of what is possible in medical research and patient care.
As the project progresses, it will likely offer valuable insights not only for the cancers under study but also for inflammatory diseases, expanding the potential impact of these technological innovations. The partnership between 10x Genomics and A*STAR GIS showcases how collaboration between leading institutions can accelerate scientific progress and ultimately benefit patients worldwide.
While the results of the TISHUMAP study are eagerly anticipated, both organizations emphasize their commitment to advancing human health through innovation. Their combined expertise and resources position them well to unlock new frontiers in spatial biology and precision medicine.
With the promise of generating detailed molecular maps and harnessing AI to reveal hidden biological patterns, the TISHUMAP project stands as a beacon of hope in the ongoing quest to understand and treat complex diseases more effectively.
