Advancing Cancer Research: Single-Cell & Spatial Biology at MSK
- Tumor ecosystems are remarkably complex, comprised of diverse cell types and states that significantly influence how cancers behave and respond to treatment.
- Established in 2017, SAIL was the first of several innovation labs created at MSK to drive cutting-edge research and development.
- The work of SAIL is closely aligned with the Marie-Josée and Henry R.
Advancing Cancer Research with Single-Cell and Spatial Biology
Tumor ecosystems are remarkably complex, comprised of diverse cell types and states that significantly influence how cancers behave and respond to treatment. Researchers are increasingly turning to advanced technologies that allow for a much more granular interrogation of these ecosystems, and at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), the Single-cell Analytics Innovation Lab (SAIL) is at the forefront of this effort.
Established in , SAIL was the first of several innovation labs created at MSK to drive cutting-edge research and development. The lab’s mission is to integrate emerging technologies and robust analytical methods in the rapidly evolving fields of single-cell sequencing and imaging-based profiling. This work is intended to catalyze discovery efforts for over 70 research labs within the institution.
The work of SAIL is closely aligned with the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Cancer Ecosystems Project, which aims to expand single-cell and spatial biology capabilities and develop the advanced computational tools needed to interpret the resulting data. This collaboration is crucial, as understanding the intricate interactions within a tumor requires not only the ability to analyze individual cells but also to map their spatial relationships within the tumor microenvironment.
The Power of Spatial Genomics
According to SAIL Director Ronan Chaligné, new spatial genomics platforms – technologies capable of capturing multiple layers of information from tumors – will be key drivers of future discoveries. “New spatial genomics platforms—capable of capturing multiple layers of information from tumors—will be key drivers of future discoveries,” Chaligné stated. “At SAIL, we have implemented several of these technologies over the past two years, but with even more powerful approaches now in development, it’s essential that we stay at the cutting edge. Joining forces with Ecosystems, SAIL is uniquely positioned to continue pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible, translating research innovation and new biology into meaningful impact for patients.”
Single-cell sequencing (SCS) has already had a significant impact on cancer research, improving our understanding of intratumor heterogeneity – the variation in cell types and genetic mutations within a single tumor – the tumor microenvironment, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Recent advancements have led to reduced costs, increased throughput, and improved reproducibility, paving the way for potential clinical applications.
Beyond Technology: Computational Expertise
SAIL’s efforts extend beyond simply acquiring and implementing new technologies. The lab also focuses on developing the computational infrastructure and expertise necessary to analyze the vast amounts of data generated by these techniques. Led by Roshan Sharma, the computational arm of SAIL benchmarks new tools and creates pipelines to support the computational demands of advanced technologies. Importantly, SAIL also provides training resources to empower researchers to analyze their own data, fostering a collaborative and self-sufficient research environment.
The lab also prioritizes optimizing sample collection and processing from various model systems and clinical specimens, establishing protocols tailored to an expanding set of platforms. This attention to detail is critical for ensuring the quality and reliability of the data generated.
MSK’s Broader Research Advances
The advancements at SAIL are part of a broader wave of cancer research progress at MSK. , MSK scientists reported promising results regarding engineered immune cells – specifically, CAR T cells – in treating diseases related to aging. These cells, which have already transformed the treatment of blood cancers, are now being investigated for their potential to target senescent cells, those that stop dividing with age or damage.
MSK President and CEO Selwyn M. Vickers, MD, FACS, emphasized the institution’s commitment to research. “Patients come to MSK seeking the very best in cancer care, which is driven by our commitment to cancer research,” said Dr. Vickers. “MSK scientists continue to expand our understanding of cancer and to apply what we learn in the lab to improve the lives of patients. The discoveries that we’re making today provide the foundation for the therapies of tomorrow.”
The ongoing work at SAIL, coupled with these broader research initiatives, underscores MSK’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of cancer science and translating those discoveries into improved patient care. The focus on single-cell and spatial biology represents a significant step forward in our ability to understand the complexities of cancer and develop more effective therapies.
Dana Pe’er, SAIL Scientific Director and Chair of the Computational & Systems Biology Program at SKI, leads the lab’s efforts. Her expertise, along with Ronan Chaligné’s direction, positions SAIL as a vital resource for cancer researchers at MSK and beyond.