Redefining Pathobiology with Spatial Multi-Omics at the Intersection of Biology, Computation, and Histopathological Assessment
Abstract
Spatial profiling technologies are transforming our understanding of tissue organization by enabling high-resolution mapping of molecular features in situ. Spatial multi-omics platforms ranging from spot-based to single-cell and subcellular resolution are increasingly being integrated into pathobiological workflows, offering unprecedented insights into novel cellular states, the tissue microenvironment, cell-cell communication, drug resistance niches, and disease heterogeneity. This article discusses recent experimental and computational advances in spatial biology, highlighting how multimodal integration enables a more comprehensive understanding of tissue function and its dysregulation. The challenges and opportunities that arise in three-dimensional spatial mapping, the impact on biomarker discovery, therapeutic decision-making, and the translational implications of large-scale pathology foundation models trained on spatial omics data are explored. Finally, it's highlighted that refined biological questions, combined with artificial intelligence, can unlock the full potential of spatial omics and reshape diagnostic workflows toward more precise clinical decision-making.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
Cell Image Analysis Techniques
Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- American Journal Of Pathology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 196
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 1406–1426
- Publication date
- 31 January 2026
- Language
- EN