STAIG: Spatial transcriptomics analysis via image-aided graph contrastive learning for domain exploration and alignment-free integration

Abstract Spatial transcriptomics is an essential application for investigating cellular structures and interactions and requires multimodal information to precisely study spatial domains. Here, we propose STAIG, a deep-learning model that integrates gene expression, spatial coordinates, and histolog...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yitao Yang, Yang Cui, Xin Zeng, Yubo Zhang, Martin Loza, Sung-Joon Park, Kenta Nakai
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-01-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56276-0
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Summary:Abstract Spatial transcriptomics is an essential application for investigating cellular structures and interactions and requires multimodal information to precisely study spatial domains. Here, we propose STAIG, a deep-learning model that integrates gene expression, spatial coordinates, and histological images using graph-contrastive learning coupled with high-performance feature extraction. STAIG can integrate tissue slices without prealignment and remove batch effects. Moreover, it is designed to accept data acquired from various platforms, with or without histological images. By performing extensive benchmarks, we demonstrate the capability of STAIG to recognize spatial regions with high precision and uncover new insights into tumor microenvironments, highlighting its promising potential in deciphering spatial biological intricates.
ISSN:2041-1723