This facility is here to support the JAX and UConn communities needs for single cell biology technologies. The team consists of experienced technicians and scientists here to work with you in the design of experiments and the generation of data in the single cell space including, at minimum, first pass analysis and interpretation of the resulting data. The team has generated data on over 6 million single cells to date, for instance, in a systemic lupus erythematosus study recently published in Nature Immunology we generated single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) data on ~360,000 human peripheral blood mononuclear cells across 47 individuals. The vast majority of data we have generated to date has been scRNAseq. Recently, we have added single nucleus ATAC-seq, which interrogates open chromatin, to our repertoire of assays, and are seeing an uptick in interest within our user community in applying this technology. Our facility generated a total of 37 snATACseq libraries in Q2 2020.

New assays that are now accessible through the facility include spatial transcriptomics and a combined snRNAseq and snATACseq dual assay, both using newly developed reagents from 10x Genomics. Visium, the spatial transcriptomics approach, involves sectioning of OCT-embedded frozen tissue onto specialized slides containing ~5,000 barcoded spots in each of four 6.5 mm2 areas per slide. Spot size is 55 um, therefore the spatially resolved transcriptome derived from each of these spots is at 55 um resolution across the 6.5 mm2 area. Though not quite single cell resolution, it provides another powerful tool when applied to appropriate tissues.

For project and budget consultation, please contact Mike Samuels at michael.samuels@jax.org.