In a groundbreaking announcement on March 25, 2025, at the NextGen Omics & Spatial Biology Conference in San Jose, California, Complete Genomics—a frontrunner in genomic sequencing technologies—revealed a commercial partnership with the Human Cell Atlas (HCA). This collaboration aims to provide HCA members with access to the state-of-the-art STOmics spatial transcriptomics products, which promise to reshape research methodologies in the biological sciences.

The Human Cell Atlas is an ambitious global initiative focused on creating a detailed map of every cell type in the human body, detailing changes from embryonic development to adulthood. By constructing this extensive reference map, HCA seeks to enhance our understanding of both health and disease, paving the way for revolutionary advances in medicine and healthcare worldwide.

At the heart of this partnership is a cutting-edge technology known as Spatio-Temporal Enhanced Resolution Omics sequencing, or Stereo-seq. This innovative spatial transcriptomics approach provides researchers with unparalleled access to the spatial transcriptome, offering essential insights into complex biological processes at the molecular level. The technology is highly versatile, accommodating various tissue preparations, including fresh, fixed, frozen, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples across a wide range of species—humans, animals, and plants alike.

The HCA is focused on advancing its mission, recognizing that novel spatial genomics technologies like Stereo-seq will be pivotal in achieving the ambitious goal of mapping all human cell types. "We are excited to welcome Complete Genomics into the HCA Commercial Discount Program, providing HCA researchers across North America with enhanced access to groundbreaking STOmics products," stated John Randell, Executive Director of HCA.

Pulling the strings behind Stereo-seq is Complete Genomics' proprietary DNBSEQ™ platform, which facilitates high-throughput, high-quality sequencing—an essential capability for capturing and analyzing spatial gene expression data over expansive tissue areas with remarkable resolution. The Stereo-seq DNB chips demonstrate cutting-edge precision, featuring spots with a diameter of just 0.22 µm and a center-to-center distance of 0.5 µm, allowing the mapping of whole transcriptomes at true single-cell resolution across substantial tissue regions.

Rob Tarbox, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Complete Genomics, emphasized the significance of this technology for HCA members: "Stereo-seq is uniquely positioned to elevate research initiatives requiring comprehensive spatial gene expression analysis. Its application across large tissue areas opens up limitless possibilities for groundbreaking discoveries."

As researchers continue to explore the complexities of human biology, this partnership between Complete Genomics and the Human Cell Atlas signifies a transformative step towards unlocking the mysteries of life, paving the way for future innovations in health and disease management. Stay tuned for the exciting developments this partnership will undoubtedly bring to the world of genomics!

For more information about Complete Genomics and its pioneering DNA sequencing solutions, visit www.completegenomics.com.