Molecular Pixelation: Spatial proteomics of single-cells by next generation sequencing

Molecular Pixelation (MPX) is a novel single cell spatial proteomics panel able to simultaneously quantify protein abundance, the spatial distribution, and colocalization of targeted cell surface proteins on up to 1,000 individual cells. 

MPX creates 3D spatial maps of cells by imprinting spatial information on antibody oligonucleotide conjugates using a DNA reagent we call DNA-pixels. These DNA-pixels form over 1,000 connected spatial zones per single cell producing graphs that reconstruct the cell surface in silico; forming a single cell surface map of 80 proteins. By applying spatial statistics on these cell surface graph representations, we uncover both known and novel patterns of protein spatial polarization and co-localization associated with vital immune processes such as intercellular communication and mobility. 

In our recent paper we show how MPX can be used to monitor the cell surface effects of treatment or stimulation, such as the spatial restructuring of the T cell surface proteins upon the formation of the uropod, the hind part of a migrating T cell. 

With high throughput and multiplex, MPX is a powerful tool for investigating the intricate spatial organization of proteins in single cells, paving the way for new discoveries in immune system research.