Researchers from BGI have developed the Stereo-seq V2 method, which allows for the analysis of RNA even in decades-old biological samples. The technology opens up new possibilities for studying cancer, infections, and rare diseases, and could also provide answers to questions related to Albert Einstein’s brain.
Chinese scientists from BGI-Research have introduced the innovative Stereo-seq V2 technology—a next-generation spatial transcriptomics tool. With its help, they have, for the first time, been able to analyze RNA in detail from tissue samples that had been stored for decades in unfavorable conditions.
The main breakthrough is that the method allows working with samples fixed in formalin and paraffin (FFPE), which were previously considered unsuitable for full-fledged genetic analysis. Using random-primed chemistry, researchers gained the ability to cover entire genes even in damaged samples.
The technology has already proven its effectiveness in tuberculosis research, allowing for the simultaneous study of human and pathogen RNA. Additionally, the method helped identify tumor subtypes and the immune system’s response in old cancer samples.
According to experts, millions of similar samples are stored in medical archives worldwide, and they can now become valuable material for diagnostics, personalized treatment, and the study of rare diseases.
“If we are lucky, we might be able to try to analyze Einstein’s brain,” said researcher Li Yang, emphasizing that the discovery offers a chance to gain unique knowledge previously unavailable to science.
