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10x Genomics Visium Spatial Transcriptomics Service

Access the Future of Spatial Omics for All

The Iowa NeuroBank Core, the Iowa Neuroscience Institute (INI), and the Genomics and Bioinformatics Divisions at the Iowa Institute of Human Genetics (IIHG) work seamlessly to offer the Visium Spatial transcriptomics service at the University of Iowa, including experimental design, sample preparation, sequencing, and data analysis. External investigators are welcome.

PDF icon Iowa_Visium_Request_Form

Step 1: Submit an Iowa Visium Request Form and schedule an initial consult meeting.

Step 2: Purchase Visium slides and reagents:

  • Visium GEX slides/4 samples

Research Lab Responsibilities

  1. Acquire an account number from the IIHG Genomics Division - this number will be included on your submission form.
  2. Purify RNA from part of each tissue block and assess quality of RIN and DV200 values using an Agilent Bioanalyzer. An RNA Integrity Number (RIN)>7 for fresh-frozen tissue and DV200>30% is recommended to continue.
    • RNA extraction service for fresh-frozen and FFPE samples is available through the NeuroBank Core
    • Bioanalyzer service is available through the IIHG Genomics Division
  3. Select one of the following workflows:
    • Full Service for Visium fresh-frozen samples
      • Investigators section tissue from the qualified tissue blocks with RINs>7 onto the Visium slide
      • Once the tissue is placed on the slide, Investigators submit the Visium slide(s) along with the Visium reagents to the INI NeuroBank Core
         
    • Selective Service for Visium FFPE samples: Sectioning, fixation, H&E staining, imaging and decrosslinking
      • Investigators or the Histology Research Laboratory prepare paraffin embedded tissue blocks
      • Investigators identify the qualified FFPE blocks with DV200>50% for the Visium v1 without CytAssist
      • CytAssist is available through the Spatial Program offered by the NeuroBank Core to accommodate FFPE blocks with DV200>30% for the Visium v2
      • Investigators or the Histology Research Laboratory deparaffinize and stain on plain glass slides for staining to determine ROI location and morphology acceptability
      • Investigators or the NeuroBank Core deparaffinize and stain H&E of Visium slide, or investigators stain IF of Visium slide
      • Investigators image Visium-IF slides
         
    • Self Service: Some Visium platforms do not require specialized instrumentation. Reagents can be purchased directly from 10x Genomics and users can prep samples in their own lab space, then submit libraries for sequencing

NeuroBank Core Spatial Program - Iowa Neuroscience Institute (INI)

For full-service requests on Visium fresh-frozen samples, the NeuroBank Core's Spatial Program is responsible for

  • Fixation
  • H&E staining
  • Imaging
  • Tissue optimization to determine permeabilization condition
  • Sample pre-processing on Visium Spatial Gene Expression Slides
  • Reverse transcription and second strand syntheseis
  • cDNA transfer
  • Purification for library preparation
  • Submit the Genomics Division form and transfer samples and images to investigators and the IIHG Genomics and Bioinformatics Divisions

Visium Spatial Transcriptomics Fee Schedule