A tissue multiplexing approach to maximise spatial transcriptomics output from precious pathology specimens

Since diagnostic specimens retrieved from pathology cannot be altered (except for sectioning) for ethicolegal reasons, we describe a method that combines multiple patient specimens, cut from individual blocks, allowing the measurement of several tissues in one capture array. This results in a cost-effective means to increase sample size to permit statistically robust data outputs and to fast-track clinical implementation. Importantly, our tissue multiplexing method is compatible with the standard 10X Genomics supported protocols. We have used skin biopsies in this instance as this is our primary area of research, but this method can be extended to any tissue of interest.